Kolkata: The Election Commission has made it clear that there is no bar on a party to release its manifesto on a poll day, but it cannot be publicised or telecast in areas where elections are being held. “There is no such bar. Election manifesto can be released any time,” Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath told a news conference in Kolkata on Sunday.
“The places where elections are being held, it cannot be publicised or telecast there,” said Mr Sampath, who came here to review the poll preparation in West Bengal along with the other two election commissioners.
BJP is scheduled to release its manifesto on Monday when the first of the nine phases is held in six constituencies in the two northeastern states of Assam and Tripura. Asked about allegations that RSS was campaigning on religious lines in riot-torn Muzaffarnagar in UP, he said, “If it is so, it is a clear case of violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We will look into it.”
Speaking on the EC’s full bench meeting with senior police and administrative officials of West Bengal, the CEC said they have been asked to work impartially and neutrally to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. “Steps will be taken immediately if any complaint is proved against any official,” he said.
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