The Election Commission has ordered the Himachal Pradesh Government to stop immediately distributing the carry bags from PDS shops exhibiting the photograph of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

The Chief Election Commissioner Mr. V.S. Sampat along with other senior officers held talks in Shimla today with the representatives of different political parties and senior civil and police officials of the state government. Speaking at the press conference after the meeting, Mr. Sampat expressed his satisfaction over the preparation being made for the conduct of fair and free election to the 68-member State Assembly due to be held on 4th of next month. He said that some complaints have been received from the representatives of political parties which were looked into and asked the Deputy commissioners to strictly implement the election code of conduct for free and fair elections.