IOC directs its petrol pumps to remove PM’s hoardings

Order issued days after model code comes into force

NEW DELHI, 12/03/2019: An old advertisement on International Solar Alliance meet with an image of PM Narendra Modi at the Central Secretariat metro station on Tuesday, despite the EC model code in place following the announcement. Photo: V V Krishnan

Indian Oil Corporation has asked its petrol pumps across the country to remove hoardings carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photos in order to adhere to the model code of conduct, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“In line with the model code of conduct, we have asked the IOC petrol pump operators that the Prime Minister’s photo be taken down from petrol pumps across the country,” the spokesperson said.

IOC had instructed the petrol pump operators on Monday to take down the photos of the Prime Minister, a day after the Election Commission of India announced Lok Sabha elections, putting into force the model code.

Instructions issued

In Delhi, after the Chief Electoral Officer held a meeting with all agencies on Monday morning to reiterate the provisions of the code, the New Delhi Municipal Council, along with other government agencies and municipal corporations, issued instructions to staff and advertisers to adhere to the code.

An NDMC official said while no instruction had been issued to petrol pumps, the civic body had begun enforcing the model code.