Polls more important than IPL: EC
Election Commission officials say requirement for security forces during the Lok Sabha polls cannot be compared with that of any other event. Video
Blog: Is IPL bigger than India?
ITGD Bureau
UPDATED: March 11, 2009 18:30 IST
The Election Commission (EC) is reportedly not too happy with the Indian Premier League schedule due to security concerns as the event coincides with the general elections in the country.
According to EC officials, the poll panel on Tuesday is said to have made its point clear that requirements for forces during the elections cannot be compared with any other event. "Elections are more important and caution is required if the IPL event is under threat," officials told Headlines Today.
The EC has also said to have expressed its concern that the government may fall short of security forces during polls. However, IPL commissioner Lalit Modi on Tuesday said that the cover around the participating cricketers at the second edition of the tournament would be centrally managed by the organisers. Modi also dismissed security fears ahead of the Twenty20 event, saying it was wrong to compare the situation in India to Pakistan. Earlier, IPL organisers had conveyed to the Home Ministry that it do not require any central forces for security.
The Election Commission and the Home Ministry on Monday had discussed the security requirement during the coming Lok Sabha elections while the Centre has sought state governments' comments on the revised schedule of the IPL.
The meeting was significant as the EC had demanded 21 lakh personnel from the central police forces, state police and Home Guards for deployment during the five-phase polls starting from April 16 to May 13 to ensure the smooth conduct of polls.
The Commission had also discussed the need for additional security in Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh during elections.
The 45-day Twenty20 cricket extravaganza begins on April 10 and there are 60 matches to be played among eight teams which will be spread over eight cities. The tournament will end on May 24.
Caution required if IPL is under threat: EC