President complains against Congress to EC

President Pranab Mukherjee's office has expressed displeasure at the Congress using his photographs for political purposes in poll-bound Punjab. The President's office has asked Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi to take action to maintain the neutrality of the institution.

In some of its its posters and hoardings in Punjab, the Congress has reportedly shown President Mukherjee along with some of its leaders. Referring to certain news reports, secretary to the President, Omita Paul, wrote a letter to Dr Zaidi on Saturday.

"The President is above party politics and neither his photo nor anything related to him in his capacity as the President can or should be used for any political purposes. All political parties should desist from ever linking the President to any political party in any manner for political goals...It is requested that necessary steps may be taken to ensure this neutrality of the Office of the President of India is not breached in any manner," the letter said.

According to EC sources, the issue is being taken up seriously by the Chief Election Commissioner. The matter is already being looked into by the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner and the District Election Officer for possible violation of any law.