Amid reports of women candidates like Congress’ actor-turned-politician Nagma facing problems mingling with crowds in her constituency in Meerut, the Election Commission on Wednesday decided that all women contesting the lok Sabha elections will get an additional ‘woman personal security officer’ besides the male security man.
The commission said it took the decision taking into account the “social perspectives” and the safety of women candidates. It said generally the PSO provided to the contesting candidate is male, whether the candidate is a male or a female.
“The Commission has considered the matter and taking into account the social perspectives and for the safety and security of women candidates, directed that an additional woman PSO may also be provided to female candidates alongwith the male PSO,” the EC directive said. All candidates contesting an election are provided with a PSO for their security as per norms.
As things stand, BJP’s Hema Malini, who is contesting from Mathura, has been campaigning from her vehicle refraining from direct interactions with the voters. She has raised the safety concerns being an actor. Private security guards make up her security cordon.