(The Statesman
October 13, 2007)
CEC bans ‘Hindu Rashtra’ banners
Statesman News Service
GANDHINAGAR, Oct. 12: Villages in Gujarat will no longer be allowed to have hoardings announcing “welcome to Hindu Rashtra” at entry points. Chief Election Commissioner Mr N Gopalaswamy asked district authorities to “bring down the hoardings” after receiving complaints during his visit here for the December polls.
It was reported to the CEC that cable operators were being forced to screen pro-government propaganda during prime time. This, too, has now been disallowed. "No more banners or hoardings at government expense," Mr Gopalaswamy said.
He met all the district magistrates and superintendents of police. The chief secretary, the director general of police and the home secretary also met him, apart from party leaders.
The CEC has disallowed temporary and backdated appointments. "No new government advertisements will be issued, as the Model Code of Conduct is in force," the CEC said. Replying to CPI-M queries that Kerala had a three-phased poll and Gujarat will have a two-phased one, Mr Gopalaswamy said the DGP, Kerala wanted 300 companies of the Central police force for a one-day poll. "This was not possible."
He said West Bengal had five-day polls because the state had more polling stations and poll centres than in Gujarat. In West Bengal, 2,750 companies of Central forces were deployed. In Gujarat, there will be 40 per cent less, he said.
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