Election Commission has removed Habibganj police station town inspector following complaint of violation of Election Model Code of Conduct, informed chief electoral officer V L Kantha Rao.  On the direction of the Election commission, TI Virendra Chouhan has been attached to police headquarters. Chouhan is probably the first officer to have removed from the post for his failure to ensure the enforcement of poll code.

The CEO informed that they had received complaint regarding playing of DJ and loudspeaker at Garba programme venue past 10 pm, the deadline set by the authorities. Citing the Supreme Court guidelines, Rao said that playing of DJ and loudspeakers are prohibited after 10 pm owing to the enforcement of model code of conduct in the poll-bound state.

CEO flanked by police nodal officer IG Yogesh Choudhary was briefing the media persons here on Monday about the law and order situation and the action being initiated for violating poll code.  He informed that since October 6 till date, 203 FIRs pertaining to poll code violation have been filed. In Balaghat, political workers were found distributing sarees, the administration had taken action against them, said Rao.

The media certification and monitoring committee has passed 25 audio and video advertisements of Congress (11) and BJP (14). “Some 10 advertisements are having objectionable content and we have written to party concerned to change it,” said Rao. Informing about the steps being taken to endure free and fair polls, CEO said that in the Commission has asked for helicopters for aerial survey in the naxal affected areas.

Elaborating on the rules and instructions, Rao said that political parties and candidates are now required to publish their criminal records at least three times in newspapers and TV. The CEO informed that candidate will have to fill every information in the nomination form.

Rao informed that commission on Monday through video conference interacted with the district returning officers and informed them about latest directions of the ECI. Briefing about the directions, Rao said ‘if the nomination form is not filled properly it will be rejected and if any candidate gave wrong information, it would be upto others to challenge it and file an election petition.  IG Yogesh Choudhary said police was keeping tight vigil on the activities of the anti social elements through the CCTNS system.

Chouhan failed to ensure adherence to ban on loudspeakers, DJs after 10pm m Chouhan failed to ensure adherence to ban on loudspeakers, DJs after 10pm

Political workers found distributing sarees in Balaghat, action initiated

203 FIRs pertaining to poll code violation registered since Oct 6

EC seeks helicopters for aerial survey in the naxal affected areas

CE passes 25 advertisements of Congress and BJP; seeks changes in 10