Objectionable ads: EC tightens noose around parties

The Election Commission of India on Saturday asked the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to direct all national, state and registered political parties contesting the Bihar elections to send a copy of the material furnished for publication in the print media to the CEO and the District Election Officer (DEO).

The EC's direction came in the wake of the complaints that certain advertisements issued by some parties in the print media, which have the potential of aggravating the differences between different classes of citizens and also creating mutual hatred.

The State presidents of various political parties will also ensure that advertisements, which can vitiate the environment, are not published till the completion of the election process in Bihar.

The EC also directs the CEO to ensure that the provisions of Section l27A of the Representation of People Act, 1951 are duly complied with both by the publisher and printer in all respects in the matter of advertisements in connection with the elections.

Bihar goes to the fourth phase of polling on November 1, the campaign for which has already been ended. The fifth phase of polling will be on November 5, while the result will be declared on November 8.