NDA welcomes EC's clarification on abstention

New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The NDA today welcomed the decision of the Election Commission upholding its contention that no political party can issue any direction or whip to its MPs and MLAs to vote in any particular manner in the Presidential polls.

Ms Sushma Swaraj, spokesperson for presidential polls for Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, told mediapersons that addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting at Parliament Annexe, Leader of Opposition L K Advani said NDA was satisfied that the EC had issued the clarification on its memorandum stating that any such whip would tantamount to 'undue influence' under section 171 c of the Indian Penal Code, .

The EC, in its order, said the voters had the freedom of voting as per his own will and choice without attracting the disqualification provisions in the July 19 elections.

Presiding over the meeting NDA Chairman and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said since dark clouds were seen at the horizon of democracy in the country, the role of the NDA had become very signficant.

Ms Swaraj said the MPs were informed about the instructions on casting valid votes. They were asked to use pens or pencils provided at the polling and maintain absolute secrecy.

The meeting was attended by MPs of NDA like Janata Dal (United), Biju Janata Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and BJP. The MPs from Shiv Sena and Trinamool Congress were absent.

She said the Trinamool Congress had promised to support Mr Shekhawat and their MPs and MLAs were asked to be present and vote in Kolkata.

UNI