EC asks parties not to use defence forces in poll campaigns

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Election Commission on Tuesday directed all political parties and candidates to desist from "indulging in any political propaganda" involving activities of the defence forces.

The advisory issued to presidents of all political parties comes a week after the poll panel had on last Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Delhi BJP MLA Om Prakash Sharma for posting a picture on Facebook featuring him along with Indian Air Force officer Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

"The political parties/candidates are advised that their campaigners/candidates should desist, as part of their election campaigning, from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of the defence forces," the advisory said.

The poll panel had on March 9 issued another advisory directing political parties to advise their candidates and leaders to refrain from displaying photographs of defence personnel or photographs of functions involving defence personnel in advertisements as part of their election campaign.

The earlier advisory had outlined stringent guidelines for social media usage during elections as well barring political parties and candidates from posting unverified advertisements, photographs of defence personnel, hate speeches and fake news on their accounts.

According to the guidelines, provisions of the model code of conduct will also apply to the content being posted on social media by candidates and political parties. Any violation may lead to action by the Election Commission.