The Electio𒉰n Commission of India(ECI) has sent a notice to BJP for featuring a child during an election campaign video in Haryana on Wednesday. The ECI has taken cognisance of a post on X by BJP Haryana handle using a child in campaign video, which it said is🅠 a violation the election guidelines.
The Commission prohibits use of children in election𝓰-related activ👍ities and campaigning.
"A show cause notice has been issued by CEO Haryana to State President, BJP Haryana for immediate corrective action; he is also to submit their response by 29.08.♍24 (6pm),” reporte🅠d news agency ANI.
In February this year, the Commission h⛎ad said it will ensure z⛎ero-tolerance on use of children in election-linked work and campaign activities.
The ECI has mandated District Election Officers and Returning Officers to take personal responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and laws pertai💮nꦚing to child labour.
"Any violation of these provisions by the election ꦉmachinery under their jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action," the EC had said in a statement on February 5.
The ECI rules state the mere presence of a 💙child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity of a political leader and who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party, will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines.
Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal has🐽 said several teams are closely monitoring social media platforms ahead of the October 1 assembly election in the state, reports said.
Heღ reportedly said several team have been formed to keep a close 🌸watch on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and X.
"Any news published or broadcasted must remain impartial. The media should refrain from publishing or airing content that favours or oppos📖es any religion, caste, or community," he said in a statement.
