Keep defence, temples out of poll ambit: EC to parties

The Election Commission on Friday asked the political parties to refrain from appealing for votes on caste or communal basis.

"No temples / mosques / churches / gurudwaras or any place of worship is to be used for election propaganda, including speeches, posters, music or electioneering," the EC wrote to all the recognised national and state political parties.

The commission reiterated that the candidates, the campaigners and the political leaders should desist from displaying photograph of defence personnel or photograph of functions involving defence personnel in advertisement, or otherwise as part of their election propaganda or campaigning. "They are also advised to desist from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces," the EC wrote to all parties.

The EC asked the political parties to refrain from criticising any aspect of private life of the leaders or workers of other parties unless they were not connected with the public activities.