No canvassing on religion, caste: CEO

HYDERABAD: Chief electoral officer Bhanarwal Lal on Monday has warned the political parties against canvassing on the basis of caste, creed and religion. Speaking to the media at his chambers at Secretariat, Bhawar Lal said it had come to their notice that certain political parties were visiting religious places belonging to various communities and seeking votes. "This is a serious issue and the Election Commission will not tolerate if caste, creed and religion are brought into electioneering," he said.Any kind of speech in the name of religion, caste, region or campaigning at religious places comes under violation of the Election Code and action will be initiated against these practices, Bhanarwal Lal said adding they have asked for information on these malpractice from District Election Officers (DEOs), which will be sent to the ECI before taking necessary actions. However, he said that no notices have been served to any political parties so far.  The CEO said, government officials and political leaders were not supposed to participate in the Rythu Chatanya Yatra in the 12 districts where the bypolls will be held.