Appealing for observance of the election Model Code of Conduct, especially by the candidates contesting the Vidhan Sabha 2017 elections, the newly-posted Haridwar District Magistrate SA Murugeshan and Senior Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar VK said that strict action would be taken against anyone, small or big, who violates the Model Code of Conduct.
This announcement comes in the wake of recent development in which the previous district magistrate of Haridwar, Harbans Singh Chugh and SSP Rajeev Swaroop were removed a day ago from their posts and kept in waiting list for not been able to ensure the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in the district. Though the exact reason has not been stated by the Election Commission of India but as per the sources, purportedly apathetic attitude of the two officials in case of violation of the election Model Code of Conduct in the rallies of BJP candidate from Khanpur constituency, Pranav Singh Champion and Congress candidate Chief Minister Harish Rawat had resulted in the action. The SIIDCUl police station sub inspector Kuldeep has also been removed from his post. Show of firearm by Champion’s supporter and the large number of vehicles used by supporters of Harish Rawat rallying during filing of nomination papers without prior permission are the examples being cited of the violation of Model Code of Conduct.
Within a few hours of assuming charge as the DM, Murugeshan called on a joint meeting with the SSP Krishna Kumar V K at the district collectorate on Sunday noon in which February 1 has been announced as the last date for submission of licensed firearms owned by people after which the process of cancellation of license of firearms shall be initiated in cases of non-compliance. Addressing the media persons at the Collectorate, Murugeshan said, “A district level committee has been made to monitor the submission of firearms and process applications for exemptions, if any. After February 1, the committee will start taking action if the firearms are not deposited.” The committee shall comprise of DM, SSP and other officers said Murugeshan.
Regarding use of social media by supporters of the candidates, the DM acknowledged that it was not possible to check each and every social media account of the contestants and their supporters. However he said, if any post was made which negatively affected the law and order situation in the district then legal course of action would be taken.
Uploading unauthorised content would surely be considered as violation of Model Code of Conduct, added Murugeshan.
Meanwhile the process of scrutinising the 125 nominations made here till date has been started by the returning officers and guiding them is our responsibility, said DM.
Speaking to the media persons the SSP Krishna Kumar said, “Our chief responsibility is the conduct of peaceful elections. And any violation in the Model Code of Conduct shall not be tolerated. No carelessness on anyone’s part shall be accepted.”