EC bans Yogi Adityanath and Mayawati from campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively

The election commission is quite slow in acting but whenever it does, it gives the essence of the presence of democracy in the country. The Election Commission on Monday placed a temporary ban on election campaigning by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati for violating the model code of conduct.

While Yogi Adityanath has been barred from campaigning, in the form of public meetings, road shows or media interviews, for the next three days from April 16 (6am), Mayawati has been barred for 48 hours. Yogi Adityanath received the slap on the wrists for his ‘Ali-Bajrangbali’ remarks made in Meerut while Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband. Her speech appealed Muslims to not vote for a particular party.

The Election Commission action came after the Supreme Court pulled the poll body for failing to act against political leaders making heat speeches. Taking note of the speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the poll campaign, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far.

While hearing a PIL, seeking strict action against the political parties for religion and caste-based remarks, Supreme Court even said that the Election Commission is becoming toothless and it is EC’s duty to punish the politicians making hateful remarks.

The regular intervention by the Supreme Court in election related matters depict the ineffectiveness of the Election Commission. The Commission’s working has already come under sharp criticism and some people even termed it a BJP’s puppet. India needs another T.N. Seshan to control the growing influence of the political parties.