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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Telangana: Farm labourer dies after kite string cuts throat
Hyderabad (PTI): A 38-year-old farm labourer from Uttar Pradesh died on Wednesday after a kite string cut his throat in Sangareddy district, police said.
The incident occurred while he was riding a two-wheeler in Fasalwadi village on his way to buy vegetables.
Preliminary investigations suggest the kite string was not 'Chinese manja' (synthetic/nylon kite string), officials said.
“Prima facie, it does not appear to be 'Chinese manja'; however, we will seek expert opinion and investigate scientifically,” Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj told PTI.
The string reportedly entangled the man’s neck, causing a deep cut and severe bleeding. He was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, a police official said.
A case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.
A police official and another person, reportedly sustained injuries in separate incidents in the city over the past few days after kite strings cut their throats.
Ahead of the Sankranti festival, Hyderabad City Police have stepped up enforcement against the banned 'Chinese manja' to curb its sale, storage, and transportation.
Over the past month, police have registered more than 100 cases, seized the banned item, and arrested those involved in its sale.
The Telangana government banned 'Chinese manja' in 2016 due to its threat to humans, birds, and the environment.
Sale and use of the string is illegal and punishable with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs one lakh, police added.
