Code of conduct won’t affect Dasara celebrations: EC
Mysuru, October 09: The apprehension that the election code of conduct would affect the celebrations of the world famous Dasara this time is cleared with the clarification from the Election Commission. On Tuesday, the Election Commission clarified that the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives could participate in the Dasara celebrations. With this, the government and the elected representatives heaved a sigh of relief.
As the code of conduct is in force with the announcement of by-election to three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies, there was a doubt on participation of the Chief Minister and others in Dasara celebrations. Following this, Mysuru deputy commissioner Abhiraj G. Shankar wrote a letter to the Election Commission to allow the CM, Ministers and elected representatives in Dasara festival. Based on his letter, the Election Commission said that “elected representatives could participate in the celebration. But no Dasara-related programmes should be conducted in the constituencies where elections are announced. No election related assurances should be given. No politicians should put up their flex, banners or buntings related Dasara in those constituencies”, the EC directed.
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Waqf Bill anti-secular, will snatch rights of Muslims: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “anti-secular”, claiming that it would snatch the rights of Muslims.
Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter.
“The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular; it is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims... The Centre did not consult with us on the Waqf Bill,” she said.
The chief minister added that “if any religion was attacked”, she would wholeheartedly condemn it.
Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims.
The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable.
A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious bill.
