The Election Commission of India has determined the limits of activities of the ruling party with a view to ensuring free and fair polls. In this connections, the commission has issued certain directives with the instruction to implement them strictly. The rules will apply equally to the ruling parties both at the Centre as well as the state.

As per the instructions issued by Chief Election Commissioner, the ruling parties have been explicitly told to ensure that there is no use of government machinery and posts. According to the instructions, ministers must not undertake election campaigning during their official tours. They can never use official vehicles, planes, machinery or employees when electioneering.

The ruling parties have been instructed not to claim their sole rights on the use of a public place for holding public rallies or on helipads. These facilities can be used equally by all the parties and candidates as per rules. The same principle will apply to use of rest houses, circuit houses etc. However, no political party will be able to use these premises for opening their election offices or for electioneering.

Giving advertisement to newspapers or any other media for publicity at the cost of government expenditure has also been banned. Similarly, government publicity mediums also cannot be used for highlighting the achievements of the ruling party. Ministers and heads of public undertakings will not be able to sanction any grant or make payment from the discretionary funds. It has also been made clear that a Central or state minister will not be allowed to enter any polling booth in any capacity other c than a candidate or authorised polling agent.