FAX/SPEED POST/CAMP BAG
ELECTION
COMMISSION OF INDIA
Nirvachan
Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110 001.
K.R.PRASAD
SECRETARY
No.437/6/98-PLN-III Dated: 10th
January, 1998
To,
The Cabinet Secretary,
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New Delhi.
The Chief Secretaries of
all the States and Union Territories.
The Chief Electorat Officers of
all the States and Union Territories.
Subject: Celebration of Republic Day –
attendance of political functionaries.
Sir,
References have been received from various States
about the attendance of political functionaries in
the celebration of Republic Day. The Commission has
considered all the relevant factors in view of the
ensuing General Elections to Lok Sabha and
Legislative Assemblies and certain Bye-Elections.
Commission has decided that there is no objection to
Central Ministers/ Chief Ministers/Ministers in the
States to do the honours in the main Republic Day
functions at various locations subject to the
condition that in their speeches, they should confine
themselves to extolling the achievements of the
Martyrs in securing freedom of the country, glory of
the Indian State and so on. Under no circumstances,
they should become a platform for political campaign.
In view of the fact that Republic Day celebrations
will come during the election process and that the
Central Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers in
the States belong to political parties and alliances
and may even be the candidates, the Commission,
purely in the interest of ensuring a level playing
field, directs that no Central Minister/Chief
Minister/Minister or any other political functionary
in the States/Ex-MPs shall do the honours at any
Republic Day functions at any location of within
their home district or constituency or from where he
or she is a contesting candidate or intends to
contest.
The Commission, however, has no objection to
organisation of Kavi Sammelan, Mushairas or other
cultural functions organised in connection with the
Republic Day celebrations and being attended by the
Central Ministers, Chief Ministers, Ministers in the
States and other political functionaries. However,
utmost care should be taken to ensure that no
political speeches are made on the occasion.
The Commission has further decided that investiture
ceremonies at the National and State level and
distribution of Tamra Patras to freedom fighters,
etc. will be done according to the existing
conventions.
The above instructions may be brought to the notice
of all concerned for strict compliance.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt.
Yours faithfully,
(K.R.PRASAD)
Back
|