SC Seeks Response From Centre, MP, Rajasthan Govts And EC On PIL Over Distribution Of Cash, Freebies

The SC has issued notice to the Centre, governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Election Commission of India on a PIL on the alleged distribution of cash and other freebies at taxpayers' expense.

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre, governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Election Commission of India on a PIL on the alleged distribution of cash and other freebies at taxpayers' expense.

Petitioner Bhattulal Jain said that the schemes being made for electoral gains ultimately burden the common people. The top court has added this petition to the already pending petitions on free announcements. The apex court has asked the Centre, States, and top poll body to file their responses in four weeks.

Pollas are due in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram in November-December before the Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has prepared a plan for elections in 5 states, detailing the phases and dates for voting, sources told ABP News. According to people privy to the information, two phases of voting are likely in Chhattisgarh, while the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Telangana polls could be conducted in a single phase.

The Election Commission's possible plan comes after its teams visited the five poll-bound states over the last few months to take stock of the preparedness. The source told ABP News that the ED was planning to conduct the elections in all five states between Diwali in November and the second week of December. The counting of the votes could take place before December 15.

The plan is now awaiting the approval of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and the two Election Commissioners —  Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel. The decision will be taken after an observers' meeting on Friday. The day-long meeting, to be attended by the EC's police, general, and expenditure observers, is to finalise a strategy for ensuring the smooth conduct of the polling in five states.

The focus of the meeting will be to streamline strategies that will effectively implement the model code of poll conduct and prevent any unethical practice, like the use of monetary or muscle power, to maintain a level playing field. The Commission has already assessed the poll preparedness in Rajasthan, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with its visit to Telangana concluding on Thursday.

(With Inputs from Nipun Sehgal)