ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The office of the Chief Electoral Officer has taken strong note of viral messages circulating on social media platforms seeking votes on religious lines.
Reacting to a viral social media message, the office of the Chief Electoral Office issued a show cause notice to secretary general of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA), Itanagar directing him to withdraw with due apology the prayer petition issued by the Secretary General requesting their fellow believers to cast their vote in favour of a particular candidate.
Later in the evening Secretary General, APCA submitted a withdrawal letter to the said prayer petition and tendered apology stating that their intention was not to campaign for any specific candidate but to pray for peaceful conduct of election.
Earlier another similar order was found circulating in social media issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council asking the fellow believers to cast their vote for a particular candidate. Notice was issued to the General Secretary, APCRCC on 26th March, 2019. Thereafter, the said order by APCRCC was withdrawn with apology.
The CEO while taking reference to Section 123 (3) of Representation of the People Act 1951 has stated that appealing for votes in the name of religion falls under corrupt practices. He requested all to refrain from making such appeal for votes in the name of religion thereby putting in undue influence and pressure on the voters which not only violates model code of conduct but is also an offence under Indian Penal Code. CEO Release

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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