SEC allowed post-campaign canvassing at govt's behest, alleges Raj Thackeray
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday slammed the State Election Commission (SEC) for allowing door-to-door canvassing after the official campaign for the civic elections ended, claiming it was helping the ruling Mahayuti win the polls.
The SEC was changing rules on the eve of the January 15 polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra, he told reporters.
"The SEC is helping the government win the polls that it has lost," the MNS leader claimed, asking why this new norm of allowing door-to-door campaigning till the last day was introduced, and why it was not allowed during the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
"Why was this concession given? Why was the rule changed? Is the SEC there to do what the government wants?" asked Raj Thackeray.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the SEC has given a license to the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to "distribute money door-to-door."
The official public canvassing for the polls ended on Tuesday evening, but the SEC said that candidates can visit voters' homes, provided the number of persons does not exceed five, and there is no use of microphones.
The poll body has cited an order dated February 14, 2012, to state that such personal contact does not amount to public canvassing.
Thackeray asked the workers of the MNS and ally Shiv Sena (UBT) to stay alert and keep an eye on candidates of the ruling parties, claiming they could distribute money.
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Army rescues 135 tourists from landslides-hit North Sikkim, many still stranded
Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.
Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.
Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.
A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
