From taking a tough stand on hate speeches to bust the myth of information and realities and share that in 12 States and Union Territories, the ratio of women voters will be higher than men, the Election Commission on Saturday categorically listed out a set of advisories for political parties, urging them to refrain from personal attacks and even use of foul language.
The election watchdog emphasised the need for a campaign based on issues, stressing a zero tolerance policy for hate speeches and speeches based on caste or religious lines. In an effort to curb the spread of misinformation, the commission has enlisted 2,100 advisors to monitor these issues closely, with strict action promised against any violations.
In the one and half hour long Press conference, the CEC Rajiv Kumar made attempts to keep the ambience of massive hall of Vigyan Bhawan lighter by sprucing up his Press conference with poetics' and shayaris.
On allegations of EVM, he answered: "Adhoori hasrato ka iljaam, har baar hum par lagana thik nahi, wafa khud se nahi hoti, khata EVM ki kehete ho, aur baad mein jab parinaam aata hai toh uspe kaayam bhi nahi rehte"
Urging Voters to not share fake news, he quipped "Jhooth ke bazaar mei raunak toh bohot hai, goya bul bule jaisi hi turant hi phat jati hai, pakad bhi loge toh kya hasil hoga sivaye dokhe ke". (In the market of lies, there is much splendor, as if it were a bubble that bursts immediately, and if you try to catch it, what will you gain except deceit).
In another poetic inimitable style, Rajiv Kumar requested the political parties to avoid personal attacks and maintain decorum during the campaign by reciting couplet of famous Urdu poet Bashir Badr. "Dushmani jamkar karo lekin yeh gunjayish rahe, jab kabhi hum dost ho jaaye toh sharminda na ho".
"We are often told that we issue notices for MCC violations, but what after that? This time, we are saying that we will go beyond issuing notices. We have the past record and it will be considered while deciding on the action that we will take against candidates for proven offences," CEC Kumar said.
Kumar said that the election watchdog is fully prepared to deal with the issue of plummeting discourse during the election campaign. "We urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility. Let's not cross lines in our rivalry," the EC said. He reminded parties' star campaigners of their responsibility to maintain decorum throughout the campaigning process.
Interestingly, the poll body said that this year, there will be 1.89 crore first time voters and 85 lakh out of them will be women and that in 12 States and Union Territories, the ratio of women voters is higher than men. The total number of electors in the Lok Sabha polls 2024 are 96.8 crore. Out of these, 49.7 crore are males, 47.1 crore females and 48,000 transgenders.
Besides all this, the EC said stressed on the importance of avoiding the distribution of unverified or misleading advertisements, as well as refraining from presenting advertisements as news. Social media posts are expected to be restrained, with a call to refrain from vilifying or insulting rivals. "We shall notify myth and reality through our website and other social media platforms," the CEC said.
