Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 8: Traffic police have been instructed to not use the ‘stop’ signal with their palms open near the polling booth as it violates the model code of conduct. The open palm is the symbol of Congress and as per rules, no symbol of a political party can be displayed near a polling booth.

To explain to police the do’s and dont's on polling day and even after that, the Bengaluru city police commissioner’s office has released a five page handbook.

While the book does not specify to not use the hand signal, the instructions were issued verbally. The cops were directed to not use any kind of hand signal that could spark a controversy.

While assistant commissioner of police B Jagannatha Rai confirmed that instructions were given to follow the handbook and to avoid controversial body language, another senior police officer said that the instructions were apt.

“Anyone one can upload videos nowadays on social media and claim that the hand signal by the cop was meant to influence voters. We are trying to steer away any kind of controversy and aim for a peaceful poll,” he said.

Meanwhile, among the guidelines specified in the booklet, the cops are directed to be extra vigilant and stop people trying to distribute money or influence voters.