Poll Talk

SETBACK FOR BJP CANDIDATE

In a major setback to BJP, a senior functionary of State BJP along with 500 youths from Mormugao has declared his support to Congress Candidate Sankalp Amonkar, fading the fate of BJP candidate from Mormugao Milind Naik.

Addressing a press conference in Vasco on Saturday, BJP State executive member Shekhar Khadapkar who is also the Chairman of Ravindra Bhawan Baina (the seat vacated by Naik and given to Khadapkar), alleged that Naik silently worked against him during last municipal elections and despite of he being a senior BJP functionary, Naik sidelined him. He said that though he is still with BJP but since the party have not given good candidate, they have decided to support Congress Candidate in Mormugao assembly seat and if required he and his supporters would even join Congress. 

EC censures Kejri for bribe 

remarks at Goa poll rally

The Election Commission has censured Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his bribe remarks made at a poll rally in Goa and said if he continues to violate the model code, stern action would be taken against him and his party, including suspension or withdrawal of recognition to AAP.

"...The Election Commission hereby censures you for violating...provisions of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) and expects that you shall be more circumspect in your public utterances during election time. You may also note that in case of similar violation of MCC in future, the Commission shall take stern action against you and your party, using all powers available to it including action under Para 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968," it said in its order issued yesterday.

Para 16A gives the poll panel power to "suspend or withdraw recognition of a recognised political party for its failure to observe Model Code of Conduct or follow lawful directions and instructions of the Commission".