Keep criminals out of elections, says civil society

Several civil society organisations Monday launched a 15-day People’s Watch Campaign to monitor functioning of political parties, administration and election related activities.

Nikhil Dey of Soochna Evam Rozgar Abhiyan (SR Abhiyan) said that civil society organisations would monitor the functioning of the parties, administration and election, and report any violations to the appropriate authority.

The organisations are also demanding that criminals not be given tickets to contest the upcoming polls.

Dey cited the case of BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena, who had during the panchayat elections in February 2005 allegedly put a gun to the head of returning officer Ramniwas Mehta and demanded a repoll.

IAS officers Yashwant Pritam and Nareshpal Gangwar, who were trainees at that time along with Mehta and others, had given evidence in court against Meena.

The judgement in the case arrived three months ago and Meena was let off due to benefit of doubt, said Dey.

The SR Abhiyan gave a letter in the name of BJP president demanding that Meena not be given a ticket this time. Meena had also attacked the Jawabdehi Yatra by SR Abhiyan in Aklera in 2016.

Dey said the organisations have given a 22-point manifesto to the political parties. After 15 days, the organisations will hold a ‘jan manch’ (public meeting) and invite political parties to give their commitment on the demands, he added. HTC

JAIPUR: