Long poll code: Bizmen want no harassment at checkpoints

Ludhiana: City businessmen are worried over the long duration of the election code of conduct, which has brought in strict norms on carrying cash. The code will remain in place for more than two months till the results are out. Businessmen fear they would be harassed at checkpoints.
As per the code, on movement of cash above Rs 50,000, the carrier will have to give evidence of its legitimacy. District election officer-cum-DC Pradeep Kumar Agrawal issued a statement on Tuesday saying, “If any person is carrying cash between Rs 50,000 and Rs 10 lakh, then valid proof is required else necessary action will be taken. If a person is caught carrying more than Rs 10 lakh, then that case will be immediately handed over to the income tax department for further investigation even if he has valid proof. The aim is not to harass any person but to keep a check on illegal flow of money. Several flying squads have already been formed for the purpose and they will remain on duty 24X7.”

As per guidelines, if anyone is caught carrying cash without proof and it is established that it was meant for elections by any candidate or his representative, then the amount will be added to the expenditure of the candidate. However, if cash intercepted is not meant for elections and the holder is unable to give any proof of its legitimacy, it will be seized and handed over to the I-T department for verification and further action.

City businessmen are in a fix as this is perhaps for the first time that the code of conduct will be in place for such a long time and the cash movement even for legitimate purposes will be affected.

Speaking to the TOI, Upkar Singh Ahuja, president of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings, said, “Code of conduct is necessary for free and fair elections and no businessman is against any kind of checks. But our only request to the authorities is that the businessmen and their representatives should not be harassed in the name of checking.”

Inderjit Singh Navyug, president of United Cycle and Parts’ Manufacturers’ Association, said, “Results will be declared on May 23, which means restrictions will remain in place for more than two months. This is for the first time that code of conduct will be in effect for such a long period. We assure full cooperation to all departments and expect the same in return. Whether it’s police, income tax or election teams, it is our request to all to treat businessmen at the checkpoints with courtesy.”