Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 1: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sent a notice to the organizers of the controversial 'mid-street Iftar party' held at Mudipu gram panchayat near here.
On March 30, the event, named 'Auto Rajakanmar Iftar,' blocked over 200 meters of state Hihighway for more than four hours until 2 pm.
In the notice issued on Sunday, the ECI addressed the main organiser, Abubakar Siddique, for violating the election model code of conduct.
The Iftar gathering took place on the state highway in Ullal taluk at Mudipu junction, a bustling intersection leading to the new IT hub of Dakshina Kannada district. The ECI took cognizance of a viral video of the event circulating on social media platforms.
The event disrupted the traffic flow, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians for over four hours during the peak hours. Organised by rickshaw drivers of Ullal taluk, the gathering was attended by traders and locals.
Although hailed as a commendable step towards communal harmony, with participants from diverse communities, the ECI's notice demands Siddique to explain why action should not be taken against him for violating ECI norms.