With the 16th Lok Sabha elections fast approaching, the district administration is keeping tabs on political parties and candidates to ensure that they adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.
There are no big and colourful banners and posters with political slogans, normally seen before the elections, in the city in view of the strict enforcement of the code of conduct. “We have been systematically taking stock of the graffiti on walls, posters and banners of political parties on private and public properties. As many as 140 cases of such violations have been recorded till March 20,” an official said.
“No complaints have been lodged with regard to the same since the graffiti and posters are immediately cleared by the local body, the expenses of which will be borne by the political parties,” he added. The district administration has also not recorded complaints regarding any major conduct violations such as misuse of vehicles, illegal meetings, distribution of freebies and inciting speeches.
Those owning licensed firearms have started surrendering them. A total of 993 firearms have been deposited with the authorities till Friday. A member of a flying squad said, “We have seized one illegal firearm and 1,792 pieces of ammunition in the district.”
The election officials have identified 324 hamlets as “vulnerable places.” While 3,296 persons have been identified as possible intimidators, action has been taken under preventive laws against 2,479 till Friday.
Toll-free numberAn official manning the toll-free phone facility at the Collectorate said there were 69 queries from the public and details given to 66 of them. “Some complained about violations regarding election meetings or posters in their neighbourhoods. We sent the flying squads to carry out inspections,” the official said. “A majority of the callers sought details on how to check if their names had been included in the electoral list and doubts regarding elector’s photo identity card (EPIC),” she added. The toll-free number, 1800 425 7027, has a four-line call hunting facility of landlines (0452 2521511, 2521577, 2521599 and 2521677) and a mobile number (89038 31137).
