Election Commission to ask parties afresh not to politicise defence forces

NEW DELHI: Days after advising political parties to stop using photos of defence personnel in ads, the Election Commission is preparing to comprehensively counter the larger issue of “politicisation” of defence forces during elections.

Highly placed sources told ET that the EC is preparing to write afresh to all parties asking them not to politicise activities related to the defence forces during campaigning.

The commission is looking at ways to ensure such instructions are effectively implemented and adhered to by the parties. Ensuring compliance of such advisories is a challenge because instances of violation often involve broadbased cases of political rhetoric and messaging.


References to Balakot air strikes and the Indian action on the border are already being made in political speeches.

Some leaders have raised concern over the “politicisation” of the forces.

The EC also recently shot off a showcause notice to a BJP legislator for a Facebook post with Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s photograph.

The EC had also received a representation from former Navy chief Admiral L Ramdas who expressed “dismay and deep concern” over some political parties “using images, uniforms and other examples, showing pictures of the armed forces with political figures, in public spaces, in media, election rallies and so on.”

The EC, ET has learnt, is expected to send a fresh communication to all political parties expanding on its first communication on the matter.

The EC had issued an advisory to all political parties on March 9, after complaints that BJP advertisements have pictures of Varthaman after the Balakot air strikes.