Kerala Assembly polls: political parties cross swords over government ads Political parties in Kerala have raised concerns about government advertisements during the upcoming Assembly elections, demanding transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines. During a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), leaders from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) emphasized the need to prevent manipulation and irregularities in the preparation of the supplementary voters’ list. They also called for simplifying the process of obtaining campaign-related permissions to ensure a level playing field. The CPI(M) proposed extending the home-voting facility to bedridden patients, arguing that this measure would safeguard their right to participate in the electoral process. Given the tight timeline for the elections, parties also sought clarification on whether nomination papers would be accepted on public holidays. Mr. Kelkar, a senior EC official, stated that he would seek legal advice to address this issue. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representative, S. Suresh, urged the EC to ensure that election officials remain free from political bias while carrying out their duties. This demand reflects broader concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for impartial oversight. The discussions highlight the growing tensions among political parties as they prepare for the polls, with each faction pushing for measures that align with their ideological priorities while also addressing practical challenges such as voter access and procedural fairness. The EC’s role in mediating these demands will be critical in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.#kerala_assembly_polls #communist_party_of_india_cpi #communist_party_of_india_marxist_cpi_m #bharatiya_janata_party_bjp #election_commission_ec
