Strong action against nominees hiding criminal antecedents: CEC

Meerut, Apr 2 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalswamy today warned that strong action would be taken against candidates, who sought to hide their criminal antecedents, while filing their nomination papers for the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

Addressing mediapersons here after chairing a review meeting on the preparations for the second phase of UP assembly elections, involving 58 constituencies across 10 districts on April 13, he, however, said that the EC did not have the power to annul the candidature of those who hid their criminal past while filling up the nomination papers and declarations.

''Several instances where some candidates have sought to conceal their criminal records have come to light,'' he said, adding that the EC had begun the process of identifying them and would take action against them after the completion of the polls.

On the inability to ensure completion of the issuance of the Election Photo Identity cards (EPIC) in the state, Mr Gopalswamy said that most political parties had sought alternative means of identification for casting votes and a decision on this issue would be taken in the next one or two days. He said directions had already been issued to all officials to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and accord all parties the same treatment.

The CEC also said that all the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations and areas had been identified and special vigil would be undertaken there during the election period.

He said that the EC had taken cognisance of the recent communal flare-up and clashes in Lucknow and Kanpur, and the situation there would be reviewed prior to polls.

''The EC is not fully satisfied with the preparations for the elections but directives have been given to the officials for ensuring an impartial and peaceful polls,'' he said.

The CEC termed as ''baseless'' the charge that the EC was overstepping its jurisdiction while imposing restrictions. ''The EC has not imposed any such restrictions which can be challenged,'' he said and also rubbished allegations that it was operating in a way as to favour a particular political party.

UNI