Shimla: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) J M Lyngdoh on January 8 asked the people of Himachal Pradesh, which goes to Assembly polls in February, not to allow "outsiders" from other states to communalise the election campaign.

Addressing reporters after overseeing the preparations for the polls, he said, "The people of the state should be vigilant and not allow outsiders from other states to communalise the election campaign and thwart any such attempts by any party or organisation."

Lyngdoh's remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi might be roped in for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign in Himachal Pradesh.

The 'Sangh Parivar' has said it also proposes to join the electioneering in the state.

The CEC, who was here along with other commission members B B Tandon and T S Krishanamurty, said the political parties have brought certain issues to the notice of the Commission and expressed apprehensions about the possibility of the communal atmosphere being vitiated during the poll campaign.

Lyngdoh, who was asked about the possibility of 'hindutva' card being played by BJP on the Gujarat pattern, said Himachal was a peaceful state and the people would maintain its tradition of maintaining decorum.

PTI