Did EC take swipe at Uddhav Thackeray over helicopter checking row? Rajiv Kumar says ‘we do not...’
Delhi elections 2025: The Election Commission on Tuesday urges political leaders to maintain decorum, while announcing strict measures for fair play in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. CEC Rajiv Kumar says everyone's checking will be done equally.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday took a swipe at political leaders for targeting the poll body and 'threatening officials' for checking their helicopters, while announcing a schedule for the Delhi assembly elections.
In November, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the election commission for checking his chopper on at least three occasions while addressing a poll rally.
Further, Thackeray also questioned if the poll officials had checked the choppers and baggage of leaders from the ruling party and demanded that he wanted to see the video of officials checking the bags of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Tuesday, while listing the directions to enforcement agencies, the Election Commission mentioned that strict vigils will be maintained on national railways and rail routes, as well as helicopters of all political parties. Star campaigners and leaders will be checked equally, without any favour to anyone.
"To all the candidates, ask for a request online (on the Suvidha portal). You will get a response online whether you have to get permission for a vehicle or ground. You can remain focused on campaigning. It is a good platform to avoid making the rounds of offices. It will be on a first-come basis. If you apply first, you will get first," the CEC said.
The CEC further said that they will also be tackling the money issue.
"Everyone's checking will be done equally. We don't discriminate," said the EC, indirectly referring to a row over checking Uddhav Thackeray's helicopter.
"In the previous election, a huge issue was raised over checking of helicopters. Foul language was used. But we control ourselves. People go to the extent of threatening polling officials, but we stop ourselves, to avoid disturbances, to ensure a level playing field."
It is the duty of star campaigners and those involved in politics to maintain decorum, the poll body said.
Rajiv Kumar also warned against abusing women and using children in election campaigning.
"We will be very strict with this. We will set up our team."
The EC said that district magistrates and Returning Officers (ROs) will maintain two things—fair play and a level playing field for every candidate, irrespective of party. It also requested all political parties to not create undue pressure on officials.
Catch all the live action on Elections and get exclusive coverage on Assembly Election Results 2024 with Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Business NewsElectionsAssembly ElectionsDid EC take swipe at Uddhav Thackeray over helicopter checking row? Rajiv Kumar says ‘we do not...’
First Published:7 Jan 2025, 04:02 PM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High