Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to avoid any law and order situation, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has appealed to all the political parties to restrain from campaigning in the vicinity of churches on Good Friday, April 19.
During the recent meeting, the political parties expressed concern over the date of poll that is April 23 for the Lok Sabha elections and by-elections in Mandrem, Shiroda and Mapusa, as it coincides with Good Friday on April 19 and further Easter falls on Sunday, April 21.
The political representatives mentioned that the campaigning on Good Friday may hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community and could lead to law and order issues.
However, the CEO stated that law and order issues should not arise as necessary instructions would be issued to the concerned officers not to grant any permission for holding meetings and rallies in the vicinity of Churches and that sufficient police force would also be deployed.
“CEO appealed to the political parties to exercise self restraint with regards to campaigning on Good Friday in vicinity of Churches,” read the minutes of the meeting held between political parties and CEO.
Responding to a query from the political parties, the CEO informed that it has not received any letter from the Church Authorities, in regard to the polling dates affecting Good Friday and Easter. It may be recalled that a section of the public had already raised apprehensions with regards to poll date as it coincides with the festive season.
The campaigning will end 48 hours (April 21 midnight) before the State goes for polling on April 23. State will also witness dry-days for 48 hours.
