TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested Election Commission of India to involve religious institutions, especially Church in creating awareness about election related malpractices for the forthcoming state polls.
BJP delegation led by party president Laxmikant Parsekar on Wednesday met Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi who along with his team was on one day visit to
Addressing a press conference, BJP general secretary Dr Wilfred Mesquita said that several recommendations were placed before EC requesting to implement them in a big way.
“We have requested EC to actively involve religious institutions along with others in spreading awareness about mal practices during polls,” he said adding “Churches can play a major role here by educating people during sermons and announcements. Even temples can be made part,” he added.
Dr Mesquita said that these religious institutions can spread message against bogus voting and also educate people not to have their voting rights at two places.
“Rather then conducting seminars or asking election officers to campaign, people would be keener on messages by churches and temples,” he stated.
The party has also urged EC to be cautious on the state borders to stop the flow of money and liquor by Congress candidates. “Congress candidates are involved in hawala and illegal mining. We expect blatant use of money by them in the forthcoming election,” he said.
When asked, Mesquita said that all the officers found guilty in violation of election code of conduct should be punished. “There is action against only one officer. We have urged EC to take action against all,” he added.
The Party has also demanded to have minimum use of government servants and teachers from aided schools during polls. At the same time, “we have also submitted facts about several leaders making statements on caste, hurting sentiments,” he stated.
