Use of 'Padma' title by poll candidates unfair: Election Commission

Bhubaneswar, April 8: Election Commission has made it clear that the use of 'Padma' title in the elections by candidates was unfair.

The EC's views on the use of Padma title was communicated to ruling BJD candidate Dilip Tirkey, who is in the fray in Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat in Odisha where voting is scheduled on April 10.

"It would be unfair if the Padmashree award is being used in election posters, banners, pamphlets, hoardings and others as it may influence voters unduly," a letter sent to Tirkey by Sundergarh District Election Officer Bhupendra Singh Poonia said.

"You are instructed to remove such hoardings, posters, pamphlets, banners and others immediately where the award Padamshree is used," the letter added. Tirkey, former Indian hockey captain was bestowed the Padmashree in 2004.

He is contesting against BJP's Jual Oram and Congress heavy weight Hemananda Biswal. BJP candidate Jual Oram had drawn EC's attention objecting the use of Padma title by Tirkey in the publicity material.

PTI