Election Commission mulls advisory on INDIA bloc's ‘misuse of central agencies' concerns ahead of polls: Report

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to issue advisory with regard to the concerns of ‘erosion’ of level playing field and ‘misuse’ of central agencies raised by Opposition INDIA bloc. The advisory may be issued to the Union government or central investigation agencies, according a report.

A of INDIA bloc parties had last week urged the poll panel to ensure ‘level playing field’ during the upcoming . The panel also requested the poll panel to make sure that the central investigation agencies take action against the opposition leaders only after taking due approval from the commission.

This after arrested Delhi in connection with his alleged role in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise 2021-22.

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“This isn’t about an individual or any party but it relates to the basic structure of the constitution. When a level playing field is needed for an election and you do not let the field be level by misusing agencies, it impacts free and fair elections and ultimately democracy," Congress leader i said after meeting the poll panel.

Singhvi, who was part of INDIA bloc delegation is also representing Arvind Kejriwal in the ED case. Arrested on March 21, Kejriwal is under ED custody until March 28.

During the last week’s meeting, INDIA bloc leaders listed recent actions by central agencies against Opposition leaders including Kejriwal. The panel reminded the ECI of an advisory it issued to enforcement agencies during Lok Sabha elections polls to ensure neutrality and keep the poll panel apprised of all actions.

In 2019, the poll panel had instructed investigation agencies under the to ensure that their pre-poll raids remain politically neutral. The panel also mandated the agencies that its officials be informed in