CEC is unhappy with derogatory language in election campaigns and calls for strict action | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: The Election Commission of India has directed state election authorities to take strict action if derogatory language is used against women during election campaigning. He also called for strict vigil and checking of cash transportation in government vehicles. The EU directive followed NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s allegation that cash was being transported in police vans.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on Friday reviewed the election preparedness along with district election commissioners, superintendents of police, municipal commissioners and chief electoral officers. State Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam, Mumbai District Election Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar were also present.

The CEC sharply criticized the use of offensive language against women during election campaigning, asking officials to treat such cases very strictly. Political parties and candidates need to refrain from any statements that could be interpreted as contrary to the honor and dignity of women, he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant last month used derogatory language against the Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbadevi, causing a furore. Earlier, a BJP worker had made derogatory remarks against Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat’s daughter.

The CEC strongly condemned inappropriate statements made against women leaders during the election campaign. Unhappy with the behavior, he said leaders should refrain from making low-level personal attacks to insult their rivals.

He also recommended strict vigil with night patrols to prevent any attempts to offer incentives such as cash, liquor, drugs or free gifts to influence voters, and asked officials to prevent any misuse of government vehicles such as ambulances assistance and vans for transporting money and valuables.