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CEC Says No Role Over Poll Promises Made Before Election Dates

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated the Commission has no role over policy decisions or populist promises made by states before the announcement of election dates. He emphasized that the model code of conduct is now in force for elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. The CEC warned of strict action against any violence or inducement during the polling process. He also announced by-elections for eight constituencies across five states, with all results to be declared on May 4.

Key Points: CEC on Poll Promises Before Model Code of Conduct

  • ECI clarifies stance on pre-poll promises
  • Model code now in force for 4 states & 1 UT
  • Strict action promised against inducement
  • By-elections announced for 8 constituencies
3 min read

No role over poll promises, policy decisions made before election date announcements: CEC

CEC Gyanesh Kumar states ECI has no role over policy decisions or poll promises announced before election dates are declared. Details on upcoming state polls.

"States can take any policy decision just before the model code of conduct kicks in. - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

New Delhi, March 15

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday refused to take note of the last-minute announcement of the so-called populist poll promise before the declaration of Assembly poll dates in four states and one Union Territory, calling some of them policy decisions.

"States can take any policy decision just before the model code of conduct kicks in. And the code of conduct has come into force now," he said during his media briefing, which began at 4 p.m.

"Elections in four states and one Union Territory shall be violence and inducement-free. The Commission will take strict action if anything contrary is noticed," said CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

His remarks came a few hours after the West Bengal government announced an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins. The ECI has announced two-phase polling in the state on 294 seats on April 23 and 29, with the results on May 4.

During the media briefing, CEC Gyanesh Kumar's attention was also drawn towards a similar populist promise made in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai has promised to deposit Rs 10,000 in the bank accounts of women if the party comes to power. Last month, the ruling DMK had credited Rs 5,000 in the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women family heads under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT) scheme.

The ECI has announced Assembly elections to be held on all 234 seats in a single phase in Tamil Nadu on April 23, with results to be declared on May 4.

Earlier, the CEC announced that Assam and Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 9. The UT of Puducherry will go to the polls on April 9, with results in the two states and the UT to be announced on May 4.

The CEC also announced by-elections for eight constituencies, spread across Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tripura.

For the bypolls also, the results will be declared on the same day as the Assembly polls, i.e. May 4.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while announcing poll dates, also made a fervent appeal to all the electorate to exercise their franchise and cast their ballots.

Making a special appeal to the first-time voters, he said: "You are about to step into one of the most important roles of life. I urge you to participate in a democratic exercise and cast your vote."

"Chunaav ka parv, hum sabka garv, elections in India are the festival of democracy," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's a festival of democracy, but these last-minute announcements are like distributing sweets just before the puja begins. 🤔 While technically allowed, it doesn't feel right. Voters are smart enough to see through these tactics. Focus should be on governance, not election-eve freebies.
A
Arjun K
CEC is correct on the legal point, but the timing is everything. If a government works for 5 years, why do all the "pro-people" decisions come in the last 48 hours? It shows their priorities. Hope first-time voters understand this and vote for long-term development, not short-term sops.
P
Priya S
The ₹10,000 vs ₹5,000 promise in TN is interesting. While direct benefit transfers help, it creates a dangerous cycle of one-upmanship. Where is the money coming from? Parties should present a clear fiscal roadmap instead of just opening the treasury before elections.
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, India's election process is massive and complex. The "model code of conduct" is a unique concept. While last-minute promises seem strategic, the CEC's primary focus on free & fair polling is commendable. The appeal to first-time voters is a nice touch.
K
Karthik V
"Chunaav ka parv, hum sabka garv" – well said! 🗳️ Let's focus on that. Despite the political games, our duty is to vote wisely. The ECI has a tough job managing so many states and parties. Hope the elections are peaceful and the mandate is clear.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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