New Delhi, February 21
The Election Commission of India (ECI) today issued guidelines to political parties, asking them to stick to rational promises in their manifestos and not to add anything that is repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution. The new rules shall apply to both Parliamentary and Assembly elections. The directive stems from a Supreme Court judgment of July last year.

“The election manifesto shall not contain anything repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution. Further, it shall be consistent with the letter and spirit of other provisions of the Model Code of Conduct,” said the EC letter sent out today.

The ECI admitted that Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution enjoined upon the state to frame welfare measures for citizens and, therefore, there could be no objection to such promises being made in manifestos. It left the onus on parties. “Parties should avoid making promises that are likely to vitiate the election process or exert influence on voters in exercising their franchise,” it said.