Dehradun district election officer Dr BVRC Purushottam has appealed to all the political leaders not to use Government vehicles for their election campaigns and also asked them to strictly follow election model code of conduct.
Presiding over a meeting with assistant returning officers and nodal officers, he directed them to take all possible steps for enforcement of election model code of conduct.
Purushottam said that as per ECI’s guidelines, the politicians should not be allowed to use government vehicles for their election campaign, as these are meant to be used only for movement between their residences and government offices, he added.
AROs and nodal officers were directed not to entertain any political executives or political leaders. Apart from this, political executives should not be allowed to inaugurate any government projects.
The election officer said that first come first serve basis should be followed while permitting public rallies on a particular ground or other locations in the city. The officers were directed to ensure that they allow rallies in such a way that public does not face any traffic congestion on roads. They need to ensure that rallies are conducted by political leaders in areas where they are permitted. Election campaign at religious places has been completely banned and AROs have been directed to take help of police if they receive complaints about this prohibition being violated, he added.
Advertisements on television and newspapers should be properly monitored. leaders of all the political parties have been asked to seek permission from election office before releasing advertisements. They should order publication of posters, banners, pamphlets, handbills and others after prior permission from the election office. Use of loudspeakers for election campaigns has been allowed between 6 am and 10 pm and action will be taken against those who violate this order, he added.