Ranchi, March 30 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) V.S. Sampath said here Sunday the Election Commission cannot ban opinion polls as parliament has already framed a law.
"Parliament has framed a law and the exit poll has been under it. But there is no prohibition on opinion poll so we cannot ban it," he said at a press conference here.
The CEC was here to review the poll preparations in Jharkhand where balloting in the 14 constituencies will take place April 10, 17 and 24.
To a question, he said: "We are enforcing the model code of conduct in addition to existing laws. We initiate action if campaigning takes place on communal, religious lines and involves inflammatory speeches."
Meanwhile, representatives of various political parties met the CEC and raised a few queries like the number of vehicles which can be used during campaigning and putting up flex boards or hoardings at party offices and houses of workers.
"We have allowed use of flex boards or hoardings at party offices and houses of workers," Sampath said.
He also held a meeting with the chief secretary, home secretary, inspector general of police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all the 22 districts.
"The officials have been asked to remain neutral."
"Till now, 256 FIRs related to violation of the model code of conduct have been lodged in Jharkhand. Further, Rs.51 lakh in cash, 66,000 litres of liquor and illegal items worth Rs.49 lakh have been seized in the state," Sampath said.
If you also use prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) such as online wallets or pre-loaded gift card
Saradha scam: ED quizzes Assam ex-minister's wife
Kolkata, Feb 17 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate Tuesday quizzed Riniki Sarma, wife of former
British MPs discuss farmer protests, India rebukes like this
The echo of the peasant movement against agricultural laws in India was also heard in the UK Parl
India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the third and final T20I to clean sweep the 3-match series.
New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) It was a sunny Saturday mornin
Rohit Shetty's cop universe's next film 'Singham Again' is going to release on Diwali. This is th
Can high court insist on its rules on RTI pleas, SC asks Gujarat
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the registrar of the Gujarat
Mohanlal returns money after public outcry
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 (IANS) Following a public outcry over the dismal performance of his b
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to Varanasi on Thursday to lay the foundation stone of the
NEET-JEE Exams Date: Waiting for students to end, exam dates announced tomorrow
New Delhi: Relieving students seeking admission to the country's prestigious engineering and medi
