JALANDHAR,
As the district was inching closer to Lok Sabha Elections, Election Observers along with the District Election Officer today held a meeting with the candidates/their representatives and enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the model code of conduct during this last phase of elections.
Addressing the gathering General Observer J. Meghantha Reddy, Police Observer Satish Kumar, Expenditure Observer Madhav Deshmukh, District Election Officer Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, and Commissioner of Police Rahul S. today categorically mentioned that strict action will be taken against those found violating model code of conduct. They mentioned that these last 96 hours are critical for all stakeholders and stern action will be ensured against anyone found violating the norms.
They further highlighted that a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against candidates/parties found involved in distributing freebies to alllure voters in their favour. The Election Observers categorically mentioned that such malpractices on the part of candidates/parties will be highly unwarranted if reported.
Divulging more, the District Election Officer said that certain instructions have been imposed to ensure smooth and hassle-free elections in the district. He mentioned that candidates cannot do any canvassing within polling stations or any public or private place within 100 meters of polling stations. Likewise, cellular phones, cordless phones, and wireless phones will not be allowed at polling stations, identity slips being given to voters should be without the name of candidate/party symbol, the bulk transmission of SMS will be prohibited, use of loudspeakers, megaphone, and disorderly conduct will be prohibited within 100 meters of polling stations.
The Elections Observers, DEO, and Police Commissioner asked all the enforcement agencies, especially the excise department to keep a close tab on liquor movement in the district. They mentioned that strict action to be taken in case of liquor distribution was reported in the parliamentary constituency. The hotels, bars, and restaurants, besides other food establishments, will be barred from serving liquor during the dry day period. They asked the enforcement agencies to ensure strict vigil over the movement of cash and other articles, suspicious of being distributed as freebies during elections.