New Delhi, May 2 -- The Election Commission Thursday asked political parties to immediately stop and "desist" from any activity that involves registering people for post-election beneficiary-oriented schemes through advertisements, surveys or mobile applications.

The election watchdog said it has taken a "serious view" of political parties and candidates seeking details of voters under the guise of various surveys for their proposed beneficiary schemes and cautioned that it amounts to a corrupt practice under the electoral law.

The poll panel pointed out that some political parties and candidates have been engaging in activities that "blur the lines between legitimate surveys and partisan efforts" to register individuals for post-electi...