Around 50 school students were reportedly directed to attend PM Modi's roadshow in Coimbatore, contravening the election commission's guidelines. Authorities are investigating the involvement of schools in election campaigns.
Coimbatore: In a concerning development, around 50 students from a school in Coimbatore were observed participating in Prime Minister Modi's roadshow on Monday, despite existing prohibitions against involving students in election campaigns. The students, along with their teachers, gathered at Sai Baba Colony junction before the event, reportedly following instructions from their school.
According to statements from the students, they were told by their school to attend the roadshow. Chief Education Officer M. Balamurali responded to these allegations by saying, "Schools were instructed to refrain from such practices. We will investigate this matter further." It was revealed that the students spotted at the PM's roadshow were from a government-aided school located in Sai Baba Colony.
This incident is a direct violation of the Election Commission's strict policy against the engagement of children in election-related activities or campaigns. The involvement of school students in political campaigns is a matter of serious concern and has drawn criticism from various quarters.
The Coimbatore District Collector, Kranthi Kumar Pati, has taken note of the situation and stated, "We have taken cognizance of the matter and are inquiring into it. The Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) has sought reports from the Chief Education Officer and the Joint Commissioner of the Labour Department. Suitable action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry."
The use of children in political campaigns not only violates election commission guidelines but also raises questions about the role of educational institutions in protecting the interests of their students. The investigation by the local authorities aims to address these concerns and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
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