Shimla: The Election Commission of India has imposed 48 hours ban on election campaign of Himachal Pradesh State BJP President Satpal Satti from Saturday i.e. 20th April, starting from 10 AM. The Election commission has asked the state for delivering and communicating the orders to Satti without delay today itself. This was stated by Chief Electoral Officer, Devesh Kumar here today.
Devesh Kumar said that as per the ECI’s order, criticism of other political parties, when made shall be confined to their policies and programmes, past record and work. Parties and candidates should refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties.
The Commission has observed that the impugned statement made by Satpal Satti is not only indecent but also derogatory and totally uncalled for. Based on the available evidence and material facts, the ECI is convinced that the statement made by Satpal Satti is in violation of the provisions contained in para 2 of part-1 of General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct and commissions advisory, dated 28th November, 2013.
The orders read that the ECI strongly condemns the impugned statement made by him during the election campaign held at Ramshehar of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh and reprimands Satpal Satti for the above misconduct.
The ECI under article 324 of the constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf bars Satpal Satti from holding road shows and interviews, public utterances in media (electronic, print, social media) etc in connection with ongoing elections for 48 hours from 10 AM on 20th April, 2019.
Earlier, Election Commission had served notice to BJP President Satpal Satti for reportedly using derogatory language for Congress National President at an election rally in Nalagrah’s Ramashehar. The Commission had asked Satpal Satti to respond within 24 hours from the receipt of the notice. Congress workers hold statewide protest and had demanded immediate ban on BJP President.
