Ahead of the Vidhan Sabha elections in Haryana, Deputy Election Commissioners of India Vinod Zutshi and Umesh Sinha on Thursday asked the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police concerned to take action under Indian Penal Code if any candidate, leader of any party or star campaigner delivers speech or indulges in any activity, which hurts the religious sentiments of any community or creates communal unrest.
This action can be in addition to the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.Zutshi and Sinha held a meeting with DCs and SPs of various districts of Haryana through video conference. Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, Shrikant Walgad and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.Zutshi and Sinha said that the Police Department would bear the cost of barricades for security of the area during the public meetings of Prime Minister during elections. In case of other persons or star campaigners, this expenditure would be borne by the concerned party or candidate and it would be included in his election expenditure.
During the meeting, the DCs and SPs were directed to review the number of persons who have been given Government security in their concerned districts. They were also asked to get the licensed weapons deposited within the prescribed period.The officers of Excise and Taxation Department present in the meeting were directed to ensure prompt action whenever cash, liquor or other such items were recovered at check posts during elections.
Zutshi and Sinha said the Election Observers from the Centre would also visit the State to ensure smooth and fair conduct of elections.