NEW DELHI: CEC Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday warned members of political parties and poll candidates against making disrespectful remarks against women, saying these can invite a reprimand from the Election Commission and even a direction to file a criminal case.
However, he clarified that action by EC against such remarks would only be “from today onwards”. This is because model code of conduct has come into force only on Tuesday, with announcement of assembly polls in Delhi.
When asked about the alleged objectionable remarks of netas like BJP candidate from Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri, against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Kumar said he, in general, strongly condemned degrading remarks against women. “On one hand we are trying to bring more women to the booth… If you speak in such a manner about mothers and sisters, it is shameful,” the CEC added.
Highlighting that EC guidelines in this regard are very strict, Kumar said, “We will not allow anybody to make degrading remarks against women…We can reprimand and file also a case (against those making such remarks)”.
Meanwhile, CEC called upon political parties and leaders to maintain a decent discourse during campaigns and “not cross lines that are being crossed world over”. He warned that polarisation during campaigns can leave scars that may last forever.
“It is necessary that campaigns are regulated (and) parties also become sensitive and responsive,” he advised, adding that aggression during campaigns sows seeds of impatience and discourages younger generations from participating in elections.
