Odisha political parties urge ECI to ensure neutrality of govt. machinery during polls

Political parties in Odisha have urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure neutrality of government machinery during upcoming general and Assembly elections in the State.

“Many parties stated the administration is perceived to be nonneutral. They favour the party in power. Therefore, level playing field should be established and the administration should become totally aligned to this principle,” said Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, addressing a press conference here on Saturday.

“There were also apprehensions that during elections facilities and entitlements, which are given to political parties, including permission for ground and use of loudspeaker, are given instantly to certain political party. The entitlements, political parties asked for, should be given equally,” Mr. Kumar said.

“During the last election, the administration was not alert to check violence. Violence did happen. Government vehicles and ambulances are used for transporting cash and government accommodations are misused for political purposes. Political parties urged to take steps to stop this,” he said.

Political parties also requested to enhance security around warehouses by including central police forces. Agents should be provided detail account of votes polled in a polling station in 17C form after voting is over.

Moreover, there are many candidates and political parties who control newspapers and news channels and favourable news contents are created during elections. The ECI was urged to bring those content under paid news category.

The Opposition parties drew attention of the ECI that government advertisements were carrying party symbol of particular party and demanded it must be checked.

Level playing field should be established and the administration should become totally aligned to this principle.

Chief Election Commissioner