The model code of conduct that came into force in Karnataka, which is going to polls in May, will also affect seven districts in Andhra Pradesh that are located close to its border.
The Central Election Commission officials directed the State government not to publicise its populist welfare schemes and put up huge photographs of the State and Central leaders in the border districts as it could influence voters of Karnataka origin.
Several people of Karnataka origin live in Chittoor, Anantapur, Karnataka, Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Medak and Nizamabad who are in the voters’ lists of the neighbouring State. The above districts have 28 Assembly constituencies where the model code of conduct would be in force till the election process was completed in Karnataka.
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The instructions were given by CEC officials in a video conference to the top administrative and police officials and Chief Electoral Officers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka on Friday.
The commission issued an order on November 20, 2012 after general elections were announced in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh following a complaint against the Himachal Pradesh government which released advertisements in the vernacular editions read widely in Gujarat promoting pictures of the Prime Minister, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with promises of various services such as free ration etc.
Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal told media persons here on Friday that the model code of conduct would not bar the State in implementing its schemes in the border districts.
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The election officials asked the State officials to watch against movement of illicit liquor, to send intelligence inputs on movement of anti-social elements, presence of extremists, deploy security forces and delete the names of voters if figured in voters’ lists in both Karnataka and in the State.