The Karnataka Assembly Elections dates have been announced, and with it comes a strict code of ethics that must be followed. DC Belagavi Nitesh Patil has issued a warning to all teams assigned for election duty to remove any posters, banners, or graffiti in public places immediately. This warning was given during a meeting of Election Officers and Nodal Officers held on March 29th at the DC Office.
Patil emphasized the importance of providing minimum infrastructure in polling booths and ensuring mandatory visitation infrastructure to the polling booths. He also instructed that legal action should be taken immediately if any cases are reported regarding violation of the model code of conduct.
Strict vigilance should be kept on illegal transportation of cash, liquor, gifts, and other items. If any party or person’s photographs are found on the items seized during such illegal traffic, a case should be registered against them. The person concerned should be made the first accused if a portrait or party symbol is found, and motorists and other persons should be made the second and third accused.
To facilitate the issuance of various permits, including election campaign programs, the Ekavakshi system should be introduced. The first 24 hours are crucial as the code of conduct comes into effect. The Returning Officers of the concerned constituencies should immediately call a meeting of the representatives of the political parties and give the necessary information.
It is imperative that all tourist rooms be cleared and handed over to the concerned Election Officers. Under no circumstances should unauthorized persons or gatherings be allowed. Any violation of the Model Code of Conduct will be dealt with sternly.
Belagavi City Police Commissioner, Dr. M. B. Boralingaiah, emphasized the importance of monitoring the traffic of illegal cash, liquor, and other items. To prevent irregularities, checks at check posts must be expedited, and vehicles should be thoroughly inspected. The license will be issued in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission.
District Superintendent of Police, Dr. Sanjiva Patila, stressed the need for officers and staff assigned for election duty to wear identity cards. This will facilitate the identification of authorized and unauthorized persons.
In the event of false news related to the election and election campaign, the Election Officers must register it immediately. Dr. Sanjiva Patil also emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the teams assigned at the check posts.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Harshal Bhoyer, directed that strict action be taken to enforce the Model Code of Conduct. The meeting was attended by electoral officers of various constituencies and nodal officers of various committees.
In summary, it is crucial that all parties involved in the election process adhere to the Model Code of Conduct. Any violations will be dealt with severely, and measures have been put in place to prevent irregularities. The safety and security of all individuals involved in the election process are of utmost importance.