EC curbs movement of leaders with security cover

Lucknow, Mar 28 (UNI) The Election Commission has directed all political leaders and party candidates provided with government security, against leaving their home districts during campaigning in the seven-phase assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

In a fresh directive to the district authorities, EC have asked them to ensure that no political leader with government security moves out to another districts during campaigning. The directive would not, however, effect leaders exempted by the EC, additional CEO Mritunjay Narain here today said.

Besides this, on the day of polling, these leaders will not be allowed to venture out of their homes, except for casting ballots.

In another directive, EC have banned electioneering by government officials or employees and directed the authorities not to grant leave to such employees.

The Commission has also banned use of wireless sets for political purposes by the leaders who have such a facility.

In certain circumstances, officials can go on leave but they will not be allowed to carry out any political activity.

The decision was taken following information about some officials going on leave to campaign in the assembly elections for their near and dear ones.

Taking a strong exception on pasting campaign posters near polling booths, the Commission have asked authorities to remove such publicity material. Where polling is schedule in the first phase, the authorities in those areas have been given time till March 31 to comply with the EC direction, for the rest six phases, authorities have been asked to submit reports by April 3.

UNI