'No room' for violence in politics - Indian media

Mar 8 BBC

Media in India are criticising political parties for their involvement in "mindless violence on minor issues" ahead of the general elections.

Around 30 people were injured when activists of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the new anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) clashed in Delhi on Wednesday.

The incident was triggered by the brief detention of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly violating an election code of conduct in the western state of Gujarat, which is ruled by the BJP.

The clashes took place on the day the Election Commission announced the dates for the general elections to be held in nine phases between April and May.

Describing such incidents as a "stain" on democracy, papers have urged political leaders to be responsible for the conduct of their workers.

We can only hope this is an aberration and not a sign of things to come in this election.... The party leadership has to take responsibility for the conduct of its workers," says an editorial in the Hindustan Times.

If the workers understand that any violent behaviour does not have the sanction of the leaders and that they will face disciplinary action, even suspension or expulsion, we are likely to see a drastic reduction in such mindless violence on minor issues," it adds.

The Asian Age urges the police to be alert to defuse such situations during the election period in the country."This is not a good sign and the police in all states will have to be alert and decisive in anticipating and defusing situations, and take tough action if need be to ensure that the pitch is not queered for a peaceful casting of ballots in a calm atmosphere that induces wide voter participation...," it says. The Tribune said the incident was an "ominous beginning" to the election season, and added that "violence in any form by anyone is unacceptable".

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has asked Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to remove "malicious" content on social media, the Hindustan Times reports.