EC bans use of govt vehicles, aircraft by ministers for election works

EC bans use of govt vehicles, aircraft by ministers for election works
Express News Service

Chennai, April 2: With the model code of conduct for the May 10 Assembly general election coming into effect from yesterday, the Election Commission has banned the use of government vehicles and state aircraft by ministers for election related works and party programmes.

Ministers should not review official works with officials either at circuit house or collectorates. Till election process is over all the officials concerned with election works would come under the direct control of the Election Commission (EC) and disciplinary action would be taken against violators.

State Chief Electoral Officer Mrutyunjay Sarangi, announcing this to mediapersons at the Secretariat today, added that there was also a ban on ministers and other authorities -- from announcing any financial grants in any form or promises; lay foundation stones for projects or schemes; make any promise of construction of roads or provision of drinking water facilities; and making any ad-hoc appointments in government, public undertakings which might influence the voters in favour of party in power.

No advertisement to woo voters should be issued in any media at government's cost. Misuse of mass media for partisan coverage of political views and publicity regarding achievements to furthering the prospects of ruling party should be scrupulously avoided.

Similarly no advertisement or campaign by parties, candidates or anyone would be allowed on electronic media including radio and television (both government and private including satellite, terrestrial and cable channels). Such media should not cover any election speeches or other materials that would incite violence, one religion/caste/language group against another.

Sarangi said the EC had also banned display of cut-outs and arches by candidates, political parties or their supporters. Similarly there was a ban on using public properties for poll campaign by putting up flags, staff, banners, pasting posters and graffiti. In case of private properties the written permission of the owner should be obtained. Violators would be booked and prosecuted as per law.

The CEO said there would also be a ban on candidates leading a big procession while going to the office of the Returning Officer to file their nomination or while proceeding to attend the scrutiny proceedings relating to allotment of symbols.

Sarangi said he had convened a meeting of PAs' (Election) to district collectors on April 4 and representatives of recognised and registered political parties on April 9 to discuss poll and model conduct of conduct. There would also be a meeting of district collectors soon.

The daily deadline for campaign would remain as same as 10 p.m. in urban areas and 11 p.m. in rural areas. No further communication was received from EC following the political parties' requisition to extend the deadline till midnight.

He said he was yet to get a communication from EC on alternative mode of identification to voters who were not been given the Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). As of now about 30 per cent of the total electorate in Tamil Nadu were yet to get their EPIC. Those voters whose name did not figure in the rolls could give application for inclusion till the opening of nomination (April 14).

There would be 54,840 polling booths and the State had already received 66,900 electronic voting machines. Sensitive areas had been identified and the Centre had been requested to depute 125 companies of para-military forces to TN. The Centre would also decide on sending other States' police if necessary, he said.