Indore: Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) OP Rawat expressed concern Sunday over the choice of words of leaders during speeches these days, in particular in the bypolls campaign underway in Madhya Pradesh for 28 Assembly seats. OP Rawat said politicians should educated themselves before campaigning.
The bypolls, scheduled for November 3, are seeing a bitter tussle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The terms used include ‘item’, ‘lucha lafanga’ and ‘rakhail’ etc.
“There are enough provisions in the model code of conduct and the People’s Representation Act to deal with such indecent language. However, I am of the view that the use of such language cannot be checked by punitive provisions,” Rawat asserted.
Rawat said politicians are usually banned for a few days for the use of unparliamentary words. However, such moves do not last long and have little effect.
Rawat claimed politicians had lost the opportunity to gain knowledge in the age of social media. They do not have the time to study about new things.
“High standards in language should be promoted so that politicians can enhance their knowledge on basic issues and policies. This will be more effective and meaningful in the national interest,” Rawat said. He said politicians use such language to get media coverage, which they receive in the form of news headlines, while real issues get sidestepped.
