The Hindu : National : Remove all government posters: EC

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Saturday, Oct 13, 2007
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Remove all government posters: EC

Manas Dasgupta

AHMEDABAD: The Election Commission has asked Gujarat officials to immediately remove all government posters and hoardings from public places and to ensure that cable operators are not forced to show pro-ruling party materials on the channels.

Instructions have also been issued to pull down all boards stating “Hindu Rashtra.” These boards were put up by the local units of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad even before the Narendra Modi government came to power.

The officials have also been told to immediately deface if there are any communal slogans or paintings on walls and posters, but they could do so only after taking photographs for evidence.

The instructions were issued by Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami. He led the full team of the Commission on a two-day visit to the State to oversee the preparations for the Assembly elections. Mr. Gopalaswami later told journalists that he had instructed the State government officials and district authorities that the elections should not only be free and fair but it should also be “perceived to be free and fair.”

He reportedly cautioned that the Commission was aware of those officers who functioned as an “extended arm” of the ruling party and would take necessary action to remove them from the poll scene if they did not mend their ways.

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