The Election Commission has taken a post on Haryana BJP's X handle seriously, in which a child was used in a video for election campaigning, which is a violation of the Election Commission's guidelines against the use of children in election-related activities and campaigns.
In this regard, the Election Commission has issued a notice to the Haryana BJP President for violating the code of conduct and the Election Commission's guidelines. The commission has asked the Haryana BJP to respond to this notice by Thursday evening at 6 PM. Additionally, the party has been asked to take immediate action regarding this allegation.
Using children in election campaigning and other related activities is a violation of the Election Commission's guidelines.
Following the notice of the video posted on Haryana BJP's official X handle, the state's Chief Election Officer has issued this notice. The State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party has been asked to reply to the show cause notice in this matter.
In February this year, the Election Commission had advised political parties and candidates to avoid using children in any manner during political campaigns and rallies. The Election Commission had clearly instructed political parties not to involve children in rallies, slogan shouting, distributing posters or pamphlets, or any other form of election campaign. Avoid behaviors such as carrying a child in arms or pushing a child in a wheelchair.
The commission also clarified that if a child is seen with their parents or guardian around a leader, but it is evident they are not engaged in campaigning activities, they would be exempt from this directive. This means children can accompany their parents or guardians.
It should be noted that elections for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 1, while the counting of votes will be on October 4.
