Date:02/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/02/stories/2002120204020100.htm

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EC takes note of Godhra pictures

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI Dec. 1. The Election Commission has taken note of media reports on distribution of Computer Discs and T-shirts by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad depicting the Godhra train carnage for propaganda in the coming Assembly polls in Gujarat. It might seek a report from the State Government on this.

Commission sources said the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat was seized of the matter since instructions and the model code of conduct were already in vogue. As any violation thereof could be construed as a violation of the code and the instructions, the CEO would look into this.

The Commission was closely monitoring the situation in Gujarat and, if necessary, it might seek a report from the State Government. In early November, the Commission had directed the removal of all hoardings and posters with communal overtones displayed in the State.

The Commission had then told the State Government that such display was an offence under Sections 153 A, 153 B and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code and Sec. 125 of the Representation of the People Act. It was also a violation of the model code. The State Government complied with this directive and sent a compliance report.

Further, the Commission had also banned the `Vijay yatra' planned by the VHP from November 17 with a replica of the charred S-6 coach of the Godhra train and the Government had complied with this directive also. According to the Commission, display of the Godhra incident in any form for election purposes on religious lines would amount to violation of its instructions and the CEO of Gujarat would ensure that the instructions were complied with in letter and spirit.