Mumbai: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday came down heavily on political leaders who make derogatory comments against women during election campaigns.
Condemning “undignified” remarks against female leaders, Kumar asked officials to ensure timely and stern action, reported PTI.
The CEC issued the instructions during a review meeting with district election officers, police commissioners, SPs, municipal commissioners and returning officers ahead of Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, and bypolls in several states.
Maharashtra will vote on November 20, while polling in Jharkhand will take place in two phases (November 13 and 20). Votes for all these elections will be counted on November 23.
Officers who will be involved in the conduct of elections were directed to ensure that political parties and candidates refrain from “any deeds, actions or utterances that may be construed as repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.”
The CEC specified that low-level personal attacks – like those involving private lives — against political rivals should be avoided.
Any violation of the Moral Code of Conduct (MCC) must be dealt with stern and timely action, Kumar stressed.
He hoped that election candidates and other leaders will act and behave in a manner that shows respect towards women in their speeches and public interactions.
The CEC’s directives come in the backdrop of a massive political uproar following Shiv Sena (Uddhav) MP Arvind Sawant’s ‘imported maal’ comment against Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Shaina NC.
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