Parties demand EC remove PM's picture, enable postal voting

Chennai: Amidst a meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI), representatives of multiple political parties raised a number of election-related concerns, including the placement of CCTV cameras at voting booths.

At the secretariat, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabratha Sahoo called a meeting of recognised and registered political party leaders. Participating parties included the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, CPM, CPI, AAP, DMDKA, and BSP representatives, New Indian Express reported.

DMDK asked authorities to make sure flying squad members don't intimidate the public and instead treat them with respect when conducting vehicle checks. The CPI requested that the ECI allow postal voting for essential service workers who are on duty on election day, such as those in the transportation and health sectors

CEO Sahoo was urged by CPM representatives to look into incidents of hate speech himself to identify the perpetrators. Congress mandated that monies taken from the general people be restored in 48 hours if the necessary paperwork is submitted.

Members of AIADMK requested the ECI to equip every polling station with CCTV cameras. DMK members demanded information on the ECI's response to claims of violations made by other political parties, as well as the removal of advertisements showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Metro rail and Vande Bharat trains.