‘Intimidation’ of political workers: ECI takes cognisance

Srinagar, May 12: The Election Commission of India (ECI) had taken strong cognisance of reports of alleged intimidation of political workers ahead of Lok Sabha elections in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said Sunday.

In a post on the microblogging site ‘X’ the ECI said, “On social media, there have been some grievances of alleged intimidation of political workers of certain parties and the use of Section 144 order. The ECI has taken cognisance of the matter.

The CEO J&K has talked personally to political leaders. He has clarified that as per rules, orders under Section 144 were issued in all districts, for the last 48 hours (silence period of campaigning) and accordingly these orders were issued in Udhampur and Jammu parliamentary constituency and are now issued for all districts of Srinagar parliamentary constituency, including Pulwama.”

It said, “As far as permission for rallies and political meetings is concerned, during the entire period under the Model Code of Conduct, which starts with the announcement of elections by the ECI, special permissions from the concerned authorities are mandatory.

These permissions are being issued without any discrimination and in an online mode through the centralised ‘Suvidha Portal’. Candidates are advised to consider the security concerns of specific areas.”

Earlier National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Apni Party alleged that the administration had started an arrest spree of their workers and agents ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, and sought intervention from Prime Minister, Home Minister, ECI, and the Lieutenant Governor to stop such unjustified arrests.