Poll panel warns parties against hate speeches

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 8

The Election Commission today warned political parties against resorting to hate speeches and said it was closely monitoring social media posts to ensure clean elections in five states.

“Strict watch on social media posts is being kept to ensure that the election atmosphere is not vitiated. Political parties and their candidates must ensure that their supporters do not indulge in hate speeches and fake news,” Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said today.

The remarks came close on the heels of hate speeches at a religious gathering in Haridwar of poll-bound Uttarakhand, where the speakers incited violence against a community.

The EC said it would monitor all election management related news across national and regional news channels. “If any untoward incident or violation of any law or rule is noticed, action will be taken immediately. Reports of monitoring will also be forwarded to the chief electoral officers concerned. The CEO office will ascertain status on each and every item and file action taken and status report,” Chandra said.

Meanwhile, the EC defended the use of EVMs in elections, saying it was a non-issue and there was a sense of pride that India has developed a machine that yields quick and accurate poll results.