M A I N   N E W S

Can’t ban opinion polls, says CEC
Says bringing a law would be a better idea

Ranchi, March 30
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) VS Sampath said here today that the Election Commission cannot ban opinion polls as Parliament has already framed a law.

“Parliament has framed a law and the exit poll has been under it. But there is no prohibition on opinion poll so we cannot ban it,” he said at a press conference here.

Days after the Law Ministry suggested to the poll panel that it can restrict opinion polls using its powers under Article 324, the Commission has reverted back to the government saying that bringing a law would be a better idea.

EC feels that restricting opinion polls under Article 324 may not be “legally sustainable”. It told the Law Ministry that since exit polls were also restricted by law, it should follow similar procedure on opinion polls.

The CEC was here to review the poll preparations in Jharkhand where balloting in the 14 constituencies will take place April 10, 17 and 24.

To a question, he said: “We are enforcing the model code of conduct in addition to the existing laws. We initiate action if campaigning takes place on communal and religious lines and involves inflammatory speeches.”

Representatives of various political parties met the CEC and raised queries like the number of vehicles which can be used during campaigning and putting up flex boards or hoardings at party offices and houses of workers.

“We have allowed use of flex boards or hoardings at party offices and houses of workers,” Sampath said.

He also held a meeting with the chief secretary, home secretary, inspector general of police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all the 22 districts.

“The officials have been asked to remain neutral,” he said.

“Till now, 256 FIRs related to violation of the model code of conduct have been lodged in Jharkhand. Further, Rs 51 lakh in cash, 66,000 litres of liquor and illegal items worth Rs 49 lakh have been seized in the state,” Sampath said. — IANS/PTI