'Don't hold political meet at religious event'

The Election Commission (EC) Wednesday advised Punjab's political parties against holding political conferences on the periphery of the Gurdwara Keshgarh Sahib for next week's Hola Mohalla celebrations in Anandpur Sahib.

Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer V.K. Singh told the media here the deputy commissioner of Rupnagar (Ropar) district has been directed to advise political parties against holding political meets on the periphery of the gurdwara as it amounts to violation of the model code of conduct.

Punjab's opposition Congress Monday complained to the EC against the state's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal planning to hold a political rally March 16 in Anandpur Sahib, 80 km from here.

In the complaint, Punjab Congress president Pratap Singh Bajwa contended that allowing any political party to hold a political conference during a religious event would violate the model code of conduct.

Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats go to polls April 30.

V.K. Singh said the EC also sought a report from the Punjab chief secretary on the transportation of bicycles for distribution by government departments after a complaint regarding this was received from Sangrur district.