T-mongers face threat of arrest

The police has decided to keep a close watch on controversial and provocative political workers and arrest them if need be in the wake of the Election Commission ordering stern action against those who try to place restrictions on campaign during by-polls.

The OU students joint action committee and several other outfits had threatened that they will not allow “outsiders” particularly those from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra to campaign in the Telangana region where the by-polls are being held.

In a stern rebuke, the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr I.V. Subba Rao, said that no such restriction would be allowed and asked the police to take stringent action on those who intimidate.

“Campaigning in any part of the country is one of the basic rights given by the Constitution and nobody can meddle with that right,” he said. “We will not allow that. I am giving clear instructions to the police to take firm action if anybody breaches others’ rights.”

The EC has asked political parties to submit details of campaigners. Each recognised party can give 40 names and the EC will examine those who are controversial and keep a tight vigil on them.

“They will be followed and if necessary bind over cases will be filed against them,” said the director general of police, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar. “If the situation requires we will not hesitate to arrest them.”

District SPs will be given additional powers to seize posters, hoardings and cancel licensed weapons.