Mangalore: Using Places of Worship for Poll Campaigns Amounts to Violation of Code of Conduct—DC
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje 
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN) 

Mangalore, Apr 2: “Using temples, mosques, churches, or any other place of worship for poll campaigns is a clear violation of the election code of conduct”, said V Ponnuraj, district election officer and deputy commissioner (DC) at an interactive session held at Patrika Bhavan on Thursday April 2.

He cautioned that campaigning at these places either directly or indirectly will attract legal action by the Election Commission. 

“Rallies and other election-related activities of candidates will be videotaped by the Election Commission at their discretion”, said Ponnuraj. 

He added that arranging a dinner for voters is also a violation of the model code since Section 171 of Indian Penal Code terms this as ‘bribery’.

The DC said that there are 1,518 polling stations in the constituency for which 151 sector officers have been appointed.  

Asked whether the eviction drive at Shaktinagar conducted on Wednesday April 1 amounted to code violation, he replied that it was the responsibility of the district administration to protect its land when somebody encroaches on it.

Ponnuraj clarified that announcing or starting a new project was definitely a violation of the model code.  

He added that those using banners, posters, and buntings of religious functions too could find themselves slapped with legal notices, though there were no restrictions on holding religious ceremonies.  

The DC said that campaign offices of political parties could use one 8x4 banner and one party flag provided neither of these used any religious symbols. He added that the offices should not encroach upon government land.

Liquor worth Rs 93, 738 Siezed

District superintendent of police Dr A Subrahmanyeshwar Rao said that six cases had been booked as of now under the Karnataka Prevention of Open Places Disfigurement Act and 11 cases under the Excise Act. Liquor worth Rs 93, 738 and a vehicle worth Rs 1.5 lac have also been seized. 

Dr Rao added that at least 136 cases have been registered and 246 persons arrested and released on bond as a preventive measure.

He said that departmental inquiries would not amount to violation of the code but transferring an official as a punishment will be considered a violation.  

Dr Rao stated that persons with criminal backgrounds, those who are out on bail, and those who are considered potential threats, have been asked to deposit their weapons.