Ensure physical presence of voters at booths in Bihar polls: CPI(M) member to EC

CPI(M) politburo member Nilotpal Basu has written to Election Commission (EC) to ensure physical presence of voters at polling booths during upcoming Bihar Assembly election.

In his letter to EC in response to poll body's communication to Left party seeking its views on modalities which need to be followed for holding elections to Bihar Assembly and some or bye-elections, Basu has said that exclusive digital campaigning would only tilt polls in favour of party with more financial clout.

"Taking into account conditions imposed by pandemic and safety requirements, according to highest priority to safety of people's lives, we want Election Commission to ensure conditions that permit elections to be held on basis of physical participation of voters and political parties.

"We urge you to ensure that a free and fair election takes place based on inviolable premise of level playing field for all, as it is clear that exclusive virtual campaign driven activity is loed in favour of parties which have unlimited financial resources at ir command. refore, campaign and polling exclusively through digital mode is t acceptable to us," he said in his letter.

He also said that during election campaign public meetings should be allowed by ensuring physical distancing and or such safety requirements.

Similarly, candidate and representatives of candidates with a smaller group of campaigners should be allowed to visit homes of voters subject to maintenance of health and safety requirements, letter said.

"Indian Constitution mandates Election Commission to ensure that holding of elections should be in a manner which does t allow any unfair vant for any party contestant," Basu said in his letter.

(Photo Credit: PTI)