An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court.

This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission.

Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court. This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission. Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

Notice sent to ECI to frame guidelines for social media sites

Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat, who stepped down last week, said that there was "no check" on black money used in elections.&nbsp;

"It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money. Money used in this manner is generally black money. As far as black money used in elections is concerned, there was no check on it," Rawat stated on Monday.&nbsp;

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Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat: It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money. Money used in this manner, is generally black money. As far as black money used in election is concerned, there was no check on it. <a href="https://t.co/l3zrUYW265">https://t.co/l3zrUYW265</a>
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On the issue of demonetisation, he said it was thought that after the implementation of demonetisation, "the misuse of money during elections will be brought down," "but it couldn't be proved on basis of the data of the seizures. Compared to previous elections, there were more seizures in the same states," he said, adding that demonetisation had no impact on curbing black money.&nbsp;

Rawat's comments came a couple of days after he demitted office as the Chief Election Commissioner of India on Saturday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunil-arora-takes-charge-as-new-chief-election-commissioner-of-india-180847">Sunil Arora took charge</a> as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind last week.&nbsp;

Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat, who stepped down last week, said that there was "no check" on black money used in elections. "It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money.

Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat, who stepped down last week, said that there was "no check" on black money used in elections. "It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money. Money used in this manner is generally black money. As far as black money used in elections is concerned, there was no check on it," Rawat stated on Monday. Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat: It seems political class and their financiers have no dearth of money. Money used in this manner, is generally black money. As far as black money used in election is concerned, there was no check on it. https://t.co/l3zrUYW265 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × On the issue of demonetisation, he said it was thought that after the implementation of demonetisation, "the misuse of money during elections will be brought down," "but it couldn't be proved on basis of the data of the seizures. Compared to previous elections, there were more seizures in the same states," he said, adding that demonetisation had no impact on curbing black money. Rawat's comments came a couple of days after he demitted office as the Chief Election Commissioner of India on Saturday. Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind last week.

No check on black money used in elections, demonetisation had no effect: Former CEC Rawat

The Election Commission has&nbsp;said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year.

"The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls must be held on the first occasion before May ... It could be held before parliamentary elections also," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said.

He said as per the Supreme Court, the outer limit for holding fresh polls after dissolution of a house is six months, that is May, 2019.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/governor-rule-in-jk-de-facto-modi-rule-says-congress-as-it-seeks-fresh-polls-soon-178900">Governor rule in J&amp;K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon</a>

At the same time, he made it clear that the election body&nbsp;will decide on the poll dates after "considering all aspects."

He said, the top court's&nbsp;verdict, an outcome of presidential reference, also said polls will have to be held on the first occasion which means even before six months.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721"> I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&amp;K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">assembly</a>

He said the same principle was applied in Telangana where the assembly was dissolved prematurely.

The state g<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">overnor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly</a> on Wednesday evening after People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress.

They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly.&nbsp;

Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.

The Election Commission has said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year.

The Election Commission has said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year. "The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls must be held on the first occasion before May ... It could be held before parliamentary elections also," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said. He said as per the Supreme Court, the outer limit for holding fresh polls after dissolution of a house is six months, that is May, 2019. Also read: Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon At the same time, he made it clear that the election body will decide on the poll dates after "considering all aspects." He said, the top court's verdict, an outcome of presidential reference, also said polls will have to be held on the first occasion which means even before six months. Also read: I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving assembly He said the same principle was applied in Telangana where the assembly was dissolved prematurely. The state governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly. Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.

J&K polls to be held before May, could be before general elections: CEC Rawat

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20.

In a series of meetings, the CEC, accompanied by senior officials, also reviewed the law and order situation especially in the Naxal-affected areas that will go to polls on November 12.

"The state election officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance of the Model Code of Conduct and to carry out impartial action against any complaint regarding its violation," Rawat said in a press conference this evening.

The commission is committed to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, he said.

During his visit to the state, meetings were held with representatives of different political parties.

Besides, district-wise preparations were reviewed during meetings with collectors and superintendents of police and officials engaged in electioneering, he said.

State election machinery has been directed to carry out effective steps to address issues raised by political parties.

"The state election machinery was also asked to carry out effective supervision and vigilance so that the apprehensions can be removed from the mind of political parties and a trust develops among the voters that they can participate in election process," he said.

Responding to a question, the CEC said the poll watchdog has taken a serious cognisance of the recent Naxal incidents in Bijapur and Dantewada districts in Bastar.

Discussions were also held with the administrative and police officials in this connection (Naxal attacks) and they have been directed to ensure peace and security of the voters so that they can come out and exercise their franchise without any fear, he said.

Several other points regarding the Left-wing extremism were also discussed and directives were issued accordingly, but these matters cannot be divulged, he added.

Officials have been asked to use Central Armed Police Force for confidence-building measures so that people can fearlessly participate in the process, he added.

Responding to a query on the use of indelible ink on the index finger of voters in Naxal affected areas, he ruled out relaxation of norms.

"A proposal was received in this connection. The commission had very well examined it from every aspects. After holding talks with all the stakeholder, it was found that nothing had happened due to applying indelible ink mark.&nbsp;If we stop applying ink mark that it will lead to chances of other irregularities to take place. In such places where such violent people are there, they can do anything," he added.

He informed that of the total 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 segments are reserved for Scheduled Caste and 29 for Scheduled Tribes.

As per the final electoral rolls, a total 1,85,59,936 voters including 92,95,301 male, 92,49,459 female and 1059 third gender voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

Also, there are 14,177 service voters in the state. There are 19545 polling centres having 23,678 polling booths with 46 supporting polling booths.

The full bench of the election commission, headed by the chief election commissioner, had reached Raipur Wednesday evening to review poll preparedness.

The polling will be held in the state in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Eighteen constituencies in 8 Naxal-affected districts will witness polling in the first phase while the rest 72 seats in the second phase.

Counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20.

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20. In a series of meetings, the CEC, accompanied by senior officials, also reviewed the law and order situation especially in the Naxal-affected areas that will go to polls on November 12. "The state election officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance of the Model Code of Conduct and to carry out impartial action against any complaint regarding its violation," Rawat said in a press conference this evening. The commission is committed to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, he said. During his visit to the state, meetings were held with representatives of different political parties. Besides, district-wise preparations were reviewed during meetings with collectors and superintendents of police and officials engaged in electioneering, he said. State election machinery has been directed to carry out effective steps to address issues raised by political parties. "The state election machinery was also asked to carry out effective supervision and vigilance so that the apprehensions can be removed from the mind of political parties and a trust develops among the voters that they can participate in election process," he said. Responding to a question, the CEC said the poll watchdog has taken a serious cognisance of the recent Naxal incidents in Bijapur and Dantewada districts in Bastar. Discussions were also held with the administrative and police officials in this connection (Naxal attacks) and they have been directed to ensure peace and security of the voters so that they can come out and exercise their franchise without any fear, he said. Several other points regarding the Left-wing extremism were also discussed and directives were issued accordingly, but these matters cannot be divulged, he added. Officials have been asked to use Central Armed Police Force for confidence-building measures so that people can fearlessly participate in the process, he added. Responding to a query on the use of indelible ink on the index finger of voters in Naxal affected areas, he ruled out relaxation of norms. "A proposal was received in this connection. The commission had very well examined it from every aspects. After holding talks with all the stakeholder, it was found that nothing had happened due to applying indelible ink mark. If we stop applying ink mark that it will lead to chances of other irregularities to take place. In such places where such violent people are there, they can do anything," he added. He informed that of the total 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 segments are reserved for Scheduled Caste and 29 for Scheduled Tribes. As per the final electoral rolls, a total 1,85,59,936 voters including 92,95,301 male, 92,49,459 female and 1059 third gender voters are expected to exercise their franchise. Also, there are 14,177 service voters in the state. There are 19545 polling centres having 23,678 polling booths with 46 supporting polling booths. The full bench of the election commission, headed by the chief election commissioner, had reached Raipur Wednesday evening to review poll preparedness. The polling will be held in the state in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Eighteen constituencies in 8 Naxal-affected districts will witness polling in the first phase while the rest 72 seats in the second phase. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Chief Election Commissioner Rawat reviews poll preparations in Chhattisgarh

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat against deletion of names of "lakhs" of voters in the national capital allegedly "at the instance of the BJP".

He sought an appointment from Rawat to discuss the matter.

"It has come to our notice that names of lakhs of voters in Delhi have been deleted after last assembly elections. Most names...Have been deleted with mala fide intention. Procedure prescribed under law for deletion of names has not been followed," he wrote in the letter.&nbsp;

A "cursory look" on the deleted names showed that "most of them" were AAP or Congress voters, Kejriwal claimed, alleging it might have been done by some officers "at the instance of BJP" to prevent them from voting.

"It appears to be a huge scam. Its implications on democracy are grave. Elections in Delhi would be a farce if conducted through these voters lists," he wrote.

Kejriwal demanded a time-bound and transparent enquiry by the Election Commission and also adding back of the deleted names.

Recently, AAP in-charge for the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Raghav Chadha had alleged that around one lakh names were deleted from voters' list in the constituency in the past six months to one year.

Kejriwal said that an enquiry conducted by him revealed that in nine cases, names were deleted in July 2018, after a door-to-door survey by booth-level officer(BLO) who could not locate addresses of the voters.

After the enquiry, the officers got Form 6 filled for enrolling five of the persons in the voters list and assured that remaining persons will also be included in the list.

"If the BLO could not locate the houses during the door-to-door survey in July 2018, how could he locate houses so easily after enquiry was ordered?," he questioned.

The Delhi Chief Minister also said it was noticed that most names were deleted after the previous Assembly elections in Delhi.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat against deletion of names of "lakhs" of voters in the national capital allegedly "at the instance of the BJP".

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat against deletion of names of "lakhs" of voters in the national capital allegedly "at the instance of the BJP". He sought an appointment from Rawat to discuss the matter. "It has come to our notice that names of lakhs of voters in Delhi have been deleted after last assembly elections. Most names...Have been deleted with mala fide intention. Procedure prescribed under law for deletion of names has not been followed," he wrote in the letter. A "cursory look" on the deleted names showed that "most of them" were AAP or Congress voters, Kejriwal claimed, alleging it might have been done by some officers "at the instance of BJP" to prevent them from voting. "It appears to be a huge scam. Its implications on democracy are grave. Elections in Delhi would be a farce if conducted through these voters lists," he wrote. Kejriwal demanded a time-bound and transparent enquiry by the Election Commission and also adding back of the deleted names. Recently, AAP in-charge for the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Raghav Chadha had alleged that around one lakh names were deleted from voters' list in the constituency in the past six months to one year. Kejriwal said that an enquiry conducted by him revealed that in nine cases, names were deleted in July 2018, after a door-to-door survey by booth-level officer(BLO) who could not locate addresses of the voters. After the enquiry, the officers got Form 6 filled for enrolling five of the persons in the voters list and assured that remaining persons will also be included in the list. "If the BLO could not locate the houses during the door-to-door survey in July 2018, how could he locate houses so easily after enquiry was ordered?," he questioned. The Delhi Chief Minister also said it was noticed that most names were deleted after the previous Assembly elections in Delhi.

Names of lakhs of voters struck off electoral rolls at 'behest of BJP': Kejriwal to CEC

The Election Commission on Tuesday evening set up a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule for Karnataka before it was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner earlier today.

The committee, which has been asked to submit its report within a week, would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future.

In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference.

Malviya tweeted that polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18. While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong which will actually take place on May 15.

"The Commission immediately directed that the matter be probed and necessary and effective action be taken. Accordingly, Commission has constituted a committee of senior officers of Election Commission to investigate the matter and give its report within seven days.

"The Committee would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. The Committee set up by the Commission has already sought information from the concerned media organisations and individuals," the statement read.

It said Malviya, in another tweet, had attributed a news channel as his source.

In his press conference to announce the poll schedule, OP Rawat had described the leak as a "very serious" issue that merited a probe and "stringent action".

He said people can conjecture but noted that as information has been "leaked", the Election Commission will probe the matter and take "stringent action" both "legally and administratively". 
&nbsp

In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference

The Election Commission on Tuesday evening set up a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule for Karnataka before it was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner earlier today. The committee, which has been asked to submit its report within a week, would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. In a statement, the poll watchdog referred to a tweet by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in which he had put out the election date minutes before CEC O P Rawat actually announced the schedule at a press conference. Malviya tweeted that polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18. While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong which will actually take place on May 15. "The Commission immediately directed that the matter be probed and necessary and effective action be taken. Accordingly, Commission has constituted a committee of senior officers of Election Commission to investigate the matter and give its report within seven days. "The Committee would also suggest steps needed to prevent any such eventuality in future. The Committee set up by the Commission has already sought information from the concerned media organisations and individuals," the statement read. It said Malviya, in another tweet, had attributed a news channel as his source. In his press conference to announce the poll schedule, OP Rawat had described the leak as a "very serious" issue that merited a probe and "stringent action". He said people can conjecture but noted that as information has been "leaked", the Election Commission will probe the matter and take "stringent action" both "legally and administratively".

Election Commission sets up panel to probe Karnataka poll date leak

BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya found himself in the centre of a storm after he announced the dates for the Karnataka assembly elections ahead of the Election Commission's official announcement.

The tweet was later deleted -- Malviya credited it to a television channel -- but he got the date of counting/results wrong.

The date of counting announced by the Election Commission was May 15. Malviya tweeted that it was May 18.

Asked about the "leak" of poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) OP Rawat, who was then yet to announce the dates, dismissed the news as "conjectures" and said he would announce the dates and see if they were the same.

After discovering that the date was incorrect, the CEC said the commission would investigate the matter and take "stringent action".

Reacting to the news, the Congress sarcastically the BJP "Super Election Commission".

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala also said the Election Commission's credibility was at test and asked if there would be any action against the ruling party and its chief Amit Shah.

"BJP becomes the Super Election Commission' as they announce poll dates for Karnataka even before the EC. 
"Credibility of EC is on test.

"Will EC now issue notice to BJP President, Amit Shah & register an FIR against BJP IT Head for leaking EC's confidential information?" Surjewala said on Twitter.

The Chief Election Commissioner said the commission would investigate the matter and take 'stringent action'

BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya found himself in the centre of a storm after he announced the dates for the Karnataka assembly elections ahead of the Election Commission's official announcement. The tweet was later deleted -- Malviya credited it to a television channel -- but he got the date of counting/results wrong. The date of counting announced by the Election Commission was May 15. Malviya tweeted that it was May 18. Asked about the "leak" of poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) OP Rawat, who was then yet to announce the dates, dismissed the news as "conjectures" and said he would announce the dates and see if they were the same. After discovering that the date was incorrect, the CEC said the commission would investigate the matter and take "stringent action". Reacting to the news, the Congress sarcastically the BJP "Super Election Commission". Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala also said the Election Commission's credibility was at test and asked if there would be any action against the ruling party and its chief Amit Shah. "BJP becomes the Super Election Commission' as they announce poll dates for Karnataka even before the EC. "Credibility of EC is on test. "Will EC now issue notice to BJP President, Amit Shah & register an FIR against BJP IT Head for leaking EC's confidential information?" Surjewala said on Twitter.

BJP's Amit Malviya in row for tweeting polling dates ahead of Election Commission

Amid the ongoing controversy over Facebook data breach, Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat has said that India&#39;s Election Commission had limited engagement with the social media giant hence no vulnerability exist.

&quot;They had no access to data,&quot; Rawat said speaking exclusively to WION. He added that relationship with Facebook has not been suspended as the whole issue has not been diagnosed and confirmed. He also said that Election Commission is aware of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerbergs-shine-dims-as-guardian-of-facebook-users-36795">Cambridge Analytica-Facebook issue</a> and is &quot;getting the matter enquired from investigating agencies to check if any misuse of data has taken place&quot;.

He also added that to the best of his knowledge, no such incident similar to what is being reported globally has come into light in context of the Indian electoral process. He, however, added that above developments need be taken very seriously so that it does not happen in India.

&quot;Social media is a reality and EC understands it. For this very reason we have a social media policy and also a social media hub in the Election Commission. It is a powerful tool to connect with the voters and we will continue to engage people through it with adequate stipulation that data is not breached and misused. And if any incident comes to light then adequate steps will be taken,&quot; Rawat said.

He said that the Election Commission has also set up a committee to look into legal provision of emerging technological environment so that any attempt to affect Indian elections is nipped in the bud. &quot;We will continue to harvest the potential of new technologies without becoming its victims,&quot; Rawat said. He also said that fake news is the emerging challenge in the electoral arena and Election Commission is determined to ensure that it does not end up manipulating Indian election process.

The Chief Election Commissioner further added that the poll panel is concerned about new cyber security threat, and to understand the emerging challenges it held a day-long meeting in March to understand the issue. &quot;Election Commission has already unveiled cyber security regulations and we would be interacting with concerned agencies so that mechanisms are in place. Officers were made aware of the new challenges,&quot; Rawat added. When asked as to what is the biggest challenge before the Lok Sabha elections he said, &quot;Protecting our IT systems is the biggest challenge.&quot;

When asked about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/office-of-profit-case-delhi-hc-restores-aap-mlas-membership-36835">Delhi High Court&#39;s decision</a> restoring 20 AAP MLAs&#39; membership, he said, &quot;We only advised. We rendered an opinion and I would refrain from making any opinion on the court order. We will study the order first and take actions accordingly.&quot;

Rawat said that to the best of his knowledge, no such incident similar to what is being reported globally has come into light in context of the Indian electoral process.

Amid the ongoing controversy over Facebook data breach, Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat has said that India's Election Commission had limited engagement with the social media giant hence no vulnerability exist. "They had no access to data," Rawat said speaking exclusively to WION. He added that relationship with Facebook has not been suspended as the whole issue has not been diagnosed and confirmed. He also said that Election Commission is aware of the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook issue and is "getting the matter enquired from investigating agencies to check if any misuse of data has taken place". He also added that to the best of his knowledge, no such incident similar to what is being reported globally has come into light in context of the Indian electoral process. He, however, added that above developments need be taken very seriously so that it does not happen in India. "Social media is a reality and EC understands it. For this very reason we have a social media policy and also a social media hub in the Election Commission. It is a powerful tool to connect with the voters and we will continue to engage people through it with adequate stipulation that data is not breached and misused. And if any incident comes to light then adequate steps will be taken," Rawat said. He said that the Election Commission has also set up a committee to look into legal provision of emerging technological environment so that any attempt to affect Indian elections is nipped in the bud. "We will continue to harvest the potential of new technologies without becoming its victims," Rawat said. He also said that fake news is the emerging challenge in the electoral arena and Election Commission is determined to ensure that it does not end up manipulating Indian election process. The Chief Election Commissioner further added that the poll panel is concerned about new cyber security threat, and to understand the emerging challenges it held a day-long meeting in March to understand the issue. "Election Commission has already unveiled cyber security regulations and we would be interacting with concerned agencies so that mechanisms are in place. Officers were made aware of the new challenges," Rawat added. When asked as to what is the biggest challenge before the Lok Sabha elections he said, "Protecting our IT systems is the biggest challenge." When asked about the Delhi High Court's decision restoring 20 AAP MLAs' membership, he said, "We only advised. We rendered an opinion and I would refrain from making any opinion on the court order. We will study the order first and take actions accordingly."

Fake news emerging challenge in electoral arena: Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Cambridge Analytica row

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