The participation of leaders of political parties in the programmes organised on the occasion of opening of portals of Char Dhams would come under the violation of Model Code of Conduct. The Chief Election Officer Radha Raturi said this on Tuesday.
The gates of Gangotri and Yamnotri are slated to open on May 2, Kedarnath on May 4 and Badrinath on May 5. The State Government is planning to organise musical concerts at the gate opening ceremonies of these shrines.
Raturi, however, said that officers and employees of the State Government can participate in these ceremonies but presence of leaders of political parties would amount to violation of election Code of Conduct.
She added that use of helicopters of State Government or rented by the state government by the political leaders for Char Dham Yatra would also be seen as violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Raturi said that politicians can participate as normal pilgrims in Char Dhams but it would not be possible for the State Government to provide police protection to them as the police force is deployed on the election related duties.
Raturi asked all the district Magistrates and Senior Police officers to strictly follow the guidelines and orders of the Election Commission.
