Panaji: BJP in Goa has requested Election Commission (EC) to involve local Church in spreading awareness about curbing malpractices during polls.

A BJP delegation led by its State unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar today met Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, who is here, and discussed various issues ahead of the March 3 Assembly polls.

"We have requested the EC to actively involve Church in spreading awareness about malpractices during election," State BJP General Secretary Wilfred Mesquita told reporters.

The Church, which enjoys considerable influence in the State, can spread message against bogus voting and educate people about their voting rights, he said. "People should know that it is illegal to enroll names at two places."

The main Opposition urged EC to ensure strict vigil in border areas to stop money and liquor flow ahead of the polls. "Congress candidates are involved in hawala and illegal mining. We expect blatant use of money by them in the forthcoming election," Mesquita alleged.

Pointing out to alleged violation of code of conduct by the Government by offering jobs, BJP said all the guilty officers should be punished.

"Action has been taken against only one officer. We have urged EC to take action against all," he added.

PTI