Election Commission Defends Using Armed Forces In Tweet On Bengal Polls

Reference to the armed forces during polls is prohibited by two Election Commission directives - one in 2013 and another in 2019 that came before the Lok Sabha election

The Election Commission has defended its use of the armed forces in a tweet - viewed by some as a violation of its own rules - urging eligible people to vote in the final phases of the Bengal polls. #govote#BeAnEthicalVoter#NoVoterToBeLeftBehind#AssemblyElections2021#ElectionCommissionOfIndia#ECIpic.twitter.com/qtuWzOCWpF Dear Election Commission of India:Is this permissible?Using photograph of a serving soldier in political posters?If not, will you act against it? pic.twitter.com/IiGUkphZWM The poll body said the Model Code - which cautions against involving the armed forces in election campaigns - was applicable only to political parties and their poll strategies and material, and did not apply in this case. The Commission said its tweet was only meant to educate people about the importance of voting. "In the instant case, what mileage and for whom any mileage is sought by the Commission by sending out an appeal..." the poll body asked, adding, "... kindly see the text of the ad... is to say in clear words that if defence personnel can give their lives fighting for the nation, why should voters not step out of their home and hearth to come to the polling booth and vote freely and fearlessly." The tweet in question was posted Saturday, as Bengal voted in the latest phase of polling.