Patiala: Election Commission of India has asked Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his ministers to refrain from making any political speeches on Independence Day.
With a view to ensure fair play for all political parties in the run up to upcoming by-elections of Patiala and Talwandi Sabo Assembly Constituencies, the ECI on Saturday issued instructions for the celebrations of Independence Day and attendance of political functionaries during the occasion.
"The Chief Minister and other ministers, who belong to political parties and alliance, may be candidates for the assembly by-elections.
The commission, purely in the interest of ensuring a level playing field, directed that no minister or any other political functionary in the state/ex-MPs shall do the honours at any Independence Day function at any location within their home district or constituency or from where he or she is a contesting candidate or intends to contest," Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO) V.K. Singh said.
The commission has also barred the organisation from poetic symposium, mushairas or other cultural functions in connection with Independence Day celebrations that could be attended by the CM, ministers and other political functionaries. It also said utmost care should be taken to ensure that no political speeches highlighting the achievements of the party in power should be made on the occasion.
Former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh had on Friday objected to Badal's decision to unfurl the Tricolour in Patiala on Independence Day.
