CPI(M) alleges CEC Gopalaswami blinded by 'class prejudice'

Karat's party and the Election Commission have not been on easy terms for long. But on Friday, Karat, for the first time, singled out the CEC and launched a scathing attack on him. "Regrettably, the truth is, the CEC is blinded by class prejudice.

This makes him go after the poor activist who paints a satirical political cartoon on the walls of Kolkata while merely bemoaning shameful and gross use of ill-gotten money," Karat wrote. In a caustic remark to some electoral reforms initiated by the current regime, Karat said, "The CEC seems driven by good intentions. But the way to hell is often paved with good intentions."

The CPI(M) has been peeved with the EC for banning posters, banners, wall writings and display of symbols and has called these measures "stringent and draconian."

Karat accused the CEC of taking "a typical bureaucratic approach. He does not realise that the Election Commission has struck a blow at the right of every political party and citizen to participate in the democratic process."

"The expenditure on such campaigning (posters, wall writings) would be minimal compared with the lavish expenditure indulged in by certain parties and candidates.

Lavish hoardings, big cutouts and use of vehicle processions require large amounts of money. But by prohibiting ordinary campaigning, the EC has facilitated the more expensive forms. A poor man's party would use wall writing and in villages even hand-written posters and billboards to put across its message.

We have seen curbs on such campaigning, while the setting up of big hoardings as used for corporate advertisements is allowed," wrote Karat.

Defending use of posters, wall writings, leaflets and display of slogans to promote the views of the party, Karat said, "How can the EC prevent a citizen from flying a flag on his own house? This is a violation of the fundamental right of a citizen. The restrictions have gone to the ridiculous extent in certain instances, of the trade unions not being allowed to fly the red flag on their offices because of the similarity with a party flag."

Karat also came down heavily on officials on election duty for transgressing fundamental rights. Calling the EC guidelines "gimmickry and bureaucratic steps," he alleged that it had done little to prevent the rampant use of money.