In Narwana, poll officers now caught in crossfire

Tension has begun building up between activists of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Congress in the Narwana constituency, where Chief ...

Tension has begun building up between activists of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Congress in the Narwana constituency, where Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala will take on Randeep Singh Surjewala.

And, according to sources, even the Election Commission has taken note of the partisan attitude of certain local authorities while implementing the model code of conduct.

Last week, tension prevailed in the area after a crowd confronted an EC team that had visited a few sites to remove flags and buntings from the rooftops. It took over two hours to rescue the team and restore normalcy. Besides, the team was forced to abandon operation.

Story continues below this ad

Local authorities, sources said, had swung into action following a visit by EC legal advisor K.J. Rao. The EC is said to have frowned on the presence of party flags and buntings of the INLD and Congress across the constituency in addition to posters and symbols even in restricted areas.

Taking strict note of them, a one-member team of the Commission had questioned local authorities about their presence and the reasons why no action was forthcoming despite clear poll violations by the INLD and Congress.

Subsequently, tensions have risen with the EC registering an FIR against the INLD under the Defacement of Public Properties Act.

Mohammad Shayin, the returning officer of the constituency, has also issued a notice to Surjewala for organising a rally in violation of the model code. Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Ghasi Ram Nain has also been booked under the IPC for participating in organising the rally without permission. Incidentally, the BKU has declared its support for Congress candidates in the state.