People's Democracy

Party Election Slogan & CM’s Photo On Ration Cards

Opposition To BJP’s Election Stunt In Jharkhand

THE government of Jharkhand reportedly printed 10 lakh new ration cards to be issued afresh to the BPL and APL families in the state. The newly printed ration cards contain the photograph of chief minister Arjun Munda along with the election slogan of the BJP. The CPI(M) state committee lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India on November 4 against this since the ration card is used for many purposes, including as an identity proof in the parliament, assembly and panchayat elections.

Considering the seriousness of the complaint, the EC took cognizance and intervened immediately. It directed the government of Jharkhand to reply within 15 days as to the circumstances under which the state government decided to issue such ration cards afresh.

On November 9, the CPI(M) wrote to the chief secretary of Jharkhand demanding a stop to the distribution of such ration cards in view of Election Commission taking cognizance of the complaint and asking explanation from the state government. A copy of the letter to chief secretary was also sent to the chief election commissioner and the chief election officer of Jharkhand.

In the letter to the chief secretary, the CPI(M) further pointed out that the government officials, who are distributing the prejudicial ration cards, are also election officials under the Election Commission of India. Their personal involvement in the distribution of these ration cards, therefore, may debar them from functioning as election officials. It was further stated that as per Election Commission’s decision, if the voters go to the polling booths with their ration cards which contain Arjun Munda’s photographs and BJP’s election slogans, the entire election may be prejudiced which may lead to litigation and constitutional crisis in the state.

The CPI(M) appealed to the people of Jharkhand not to receive the ration cards containing the photographs of chief minister Arjun Munda and BJP’s election slogan. The state committee of the CPI(M) also appealed to those who already received the ration cards, to return the same to the district administration demanding immediate replacement by fresh ration cards without Arjun Munda’s photograph and BJP’s election slogan. (INN)