Late and mild reaction of Election Cmmission makes politicians and political parties involved in controvercies

It was only after Supreme Court intervened that Election Commission ECI took action, though very mild, against two top politicians of UP banning them to campaign for 48 and 72 hours respectively for alleged hate-speeches.

But there is still no news of ECI taking cognizance of sting of about 20 present and former Parliamentarians coming from different political parties as telecast by a newly launched Hindi news-channel on 03.04.2019 despite official complaint made through e-mail to ECI.

ECI should have reacted instantly just after first time news broke about an ugly anti-woman comment by another politician Azam Khan of UP. ECI has not even taken instant action against TMC Chief Mamta Banerjee for inducing a Bangladeshi artist in election-campaign.

If ECI starts reacting instantly and strongly including imposing bar on contesting election or de-registering political party on hate-speeches and other controvercial aspects, politicians will be compelled to remain in limits. Only stringent punishment rather than mild delayed action can induce sober campaign in the country.

SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL