Jaipur: State Election Commission (SEC) has defended its decision to deny Rajasthan Election Watch (REW) permission to conduct voter awareness campaigns during the ongoing Panchayati Raj elections, citing administrative and security constraints and a lack of specific programme details.In a two-page reply dated Nov 7 to a legal notice issued by advocate Prashant Bhushan on Nov 6, SEC said the state was in a “final and sensitive phase” of the three-tier rural polls, requiring extensive deployment of police and administrative personnel for polling stations, sensitive booths, strong rooms and patrolling.It also pointed to visits, rallies and public meetings by senior political figures, saying these had increased pressure on the administration to maintain law and order. The commission expressed concern that simultaneous public meetings and rallies by external organisations could complicate security and administrative coordination. Furthermore, while REW mentioned possible areas for the campaign, it did not provide pertinent details such as dates and routes.REW aimed to conduct campaigns in 18 areas, including Beawar, Jaipur, Salumber and Tonk districts, prior to the fourth phase of the elections.SEC emphasised its compliance with Supreme Court’s order, arguing that its decision was based on logistical challenges rather than an attempt to suppress independent voter education efforts. Ongoing voter education initiatives are already in place through official SVEEP programmes and electronic media campaigns.SEC said it had complied with Supreme Court’s Nov 2 order by reconsidering REW’s application and issuing a reasoned order on Nov 4. The apex court had directed the commission to reconsider the request within two days.In response, Bhushan questioned SEC’s authority under Article 243K of the Constitution and other relevant laws, alleging the commission does not have the power to restrict peaceful voter awareness efforts. He pointed out REW’s past successful campaigns during the 2020 Panchayat elections. He also demanded that SEC retract its Nov 4 order and allow the campaign to proceed without bureaucratic obstacles.
