Deccan Herald

• 2,840 personnel trained for ULB polls

Mangalore, Sep 25: "Political public functions are prohibited 48 hours before the commencement of elections," said deputy commissioner M Maheshwar Rao.

As per the model code of conduct for the urban local body (ULB) polls, no public canvassing will be allowed from 7 am on September 26. “Political public functions are prohibited 48 hours before the commencement of elections,” said Deputy Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao.

Addressing presspersons here on Monday, he said the model code of conduct would be strictly followed during the process of ULB polls.

For displaying any election material, the parties are required to obtain the permission of the local authority. Each banner bears the seal and a serial number, while two vigilance squads will see that no unauthorised banner is displayed. Permission has been given to display 2,092 banners and 724 flags in all.

Mikes can be used only between 7 am and 10 pm with the permission of the police. Public or private properties should not be distorted. Religious centres cannot be misused for the election purpose, the DC said.

Strict actions will be initiated against those who bar the code as per the Section 31 to 37 of Municipalities Act.

However, no cases have been registered against any candidate or party so far, he noted.

Rao said liquor sale will be prohibited within the limits of ULBs in between Sept 27 and 28, and also Sept 29 and 30.

Booths changed

With the permission of the State Election Commission, the places of four booths under Mangalore City Corporation have been changed for the convenience of the voters.

The booth at DK ZP Higher Primary School, Kasba Bengre new building (east) has been shifted to Super Star Sports Club Anganwadi while another booth in the west side has been shifted to SSF Anganwadi. In Kannur ward, the booths at Kannur GP building and Anganwadi building have been shifted to the east and west sides of Veeranagar Anganwadi centre respectively, Rao informed.

136 vehicles

He said a total of 136 vehicles are being used for polls, including 80 buses, 30 vans and 26 jeeps in the district.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,840 personnel have been trained to work in the 568 wards of the local bodies of Mangalore, Ullal, Moodabidri, Bantwal, Puttur, Beltangady and Sullia. The DC said voters can produce any one of the 19 specified documents as ID cards, if they cannot bring the election ID.