Chandigarh, Jan 4 (IANS) The Election Commission (EC) Wednesday barred Punjab’s chief minister, ministers, political functionaries and legislators from making political speeches at Republic Day functions, and attending such functions in their home districts or constituencies from where they are contesting the Jan 30 assembly polls.

A spokesman of the Chief Electoral Officer here said that while there was no objection to the ministers and other political functionaries doing the Republic Day (Jan 26) honours anywhere other than their home districts and assembly constituencies, they would, however, be required to keep their speeches completely apolitical.

“They should confine themselves to extolling the achievements of the martyrs in securing the freedom of the country, the glory of the Indian state and so on, but under no circumstances should they become a platform for political campaign,” the spokesman added.

The EC direction will also apply to ministers, legislators and political functionaries intending to contest the election. For cultural and other related events to mark the Republic Day celebrations, the EC has desired that no political speeches are made at such occasions.

Elections to Punjab’s 117-member assembly are to be held Jan 30.