NEW DELHI. Apr 3 : India s Election Commission has warned political parties and their candidates for parliament not to use religion or other divisive Issues to attract voters and has vowed to crack down of vtoiatora

Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan said the panel would not allow poHtl gyjx/ff ■*****• grounds of religion, caste or ian*iage. calling such propa ganda a corrupt practice

Candidates who refuse to heed the warning risk a six year ban on running for office

Mr Seshan said In a directive released Monday, adding the commission would also prose cute violators.

Politicians elected to Par (lament In the May Genera) Elections would be stripped of their seats If they are found to have ignored the directive, which is In line with India • secular constitution.

The Commission which ta an autonomous body, would also withdraw recognition from their parties Mr Seshan said.

Mr Seshan did not name any political party, but his warning appeared directed

particularly toward* the right wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP. Indian People a Party), which is seeking power on an aggressive Pro-Hindu platform.

The BJP has promised to build a temple In the northern town of Avodhhys where a mosque is located seeking to win the votes of Hindus, who compose India ■ overwhelming majority.

Reuter from Gauhati adds: India's Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar said on Tuesday he was in favour of holding elections tn three states troubled by separatist insurgencies. provided they could be conducted free of violence.