Bengal polls: Political parties' election manifestos to come under ECI's scanner

During an election workshop arranged for journalists in Kolkata, Additional Chief Election Officer Dibyendu Sarkar declared that Election Commission will monitor election-manifestos of all political parties.

"All political parties have to write those promises in their manifestos which are guided by reality. No absurd promise will be allowed. For example, if one party states in its manifesto that they have managed 1 lakh employment or will arrange it after election, the party has to provide proof," Sarkar said.

Dibyendu Sarkar also said that election promotions through media will be scanned.

"Political parties have to take approval from Election Commission's Media Certification Committee before sending promotional advertisements to media houses for publication. Besides this strict action will be taken against 'paid-news'," he added.

However, all opposition parties have welcomed this decision of the ECI.

Meanwhile, 100 companies of Central para-military force, which have already reached the state on Feb 29, are conduction route-march at several locations across West Bengal including capital city Kolkata.

According to ECI sources, more 10000 security personnel from the Centre will come to Bengal on Mar 7 and the full bench of Election Commission is likely to visit the state next week.

   
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)