Atta-Dal can stay sans neta pics: EC

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 12

Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi today said the use of blue ration cards with photo of Punjab CM and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Adaish Partap Singh Kairon on them will remain banned till elections.

The SAD-BJP government has issued blue ration cards to over 1.41 crore beneficiaries to provide then highly subsidised pulses and foodgrain. Pleading that around 81 per cent of the subsidised stock was already distributed among beneficiaries and remaining 19 per cent stock should be allowed to distribute, the Food and Civil Supplies Department had recently sought the EC’s permission over the scheme’s continuation.

Stating that no political person should be involved in the distribution of foodgrain and pulses, the CEC also said only officials of department could oversee the distribution work.

“Some political parties have demanded a ban on blue ration cards issued under the National Food Security Mission with the pictures of the Chief Minister, which is a violation of the poll code and disturbs the level playing field. The commission has decided that ration cards bearing photos of political personalities will not be permitted. Political vigilance committee will not work. Officials will oversee the distribution of food,” said Dr Zaidi.

Categorically asked about discontinuation of “Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra Scheme”, Dr Zaidi said: “Political advantage of such tours cannot be allowed by the commission. That is what I have to say on this issue.”