Strict Action Against Violation of Election Code of Conduct – DC Senthil
Mangaluru: “The Election Commission has announced the date for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and the Election Code of Conduct is in force. The Election commission has directed to monitor all social media like the WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Share Chat including the media. The Election code of conduct will be applicable to Social media as well. We will be keeping a watch on all social media. Also publishing fake news against candidates will be strongly dealt with. If any candidate campaigns or is promoted through the social media the candidate himself/herself will be held responsible”, said the Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil in a press meet held at the DC office here on March 11.
Addressing the mediapersons DC Sasikanth Senthil said, “Under the Election Code of Conduct, use of any party emblem or display of photos of party leaders in the campaign using handbills, posters or any such publicity material has been prohibited. If anyone uses any material for publicity or sends messages to others to promote any candidate, and the candidate disowns responsibility of such publicity, then the person who has promoted the candidate will be held responsible. Without the permission or bringing to the notice of the candidate, publicity should not be done in favour of any candidate, which is a crime under the election code of conduct”.
Sasikanth further said, “The Election Commission has put a limit of Rs 70 lakh expenditure for each candidate for Lok Sabha elections. Paid news or the news published on the print or electronic media will be monitored. Any news against the Election code of conduct will be dealt with severely. The team led by Zilla Panchayat CEO will monitor the same.”
Addressing the mediapersons SP Laxmi Prasad said, “In Dakshina Kannada District we have identified 46 Naxal Booths. To carry out smooth election process we have taken measures to appoint Paramilitary forces in this area. In the district, 9621 people have the license to own a weapon. They should deposit their weapons in the nearby police stations or can hand them over to the Vendor with the permission of the Deputy Commissioner. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the Election code of conduct”.
Addressing the mediapersons Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil said, “In Dakshina Kannada elections will be held on April 18, to maintain the law and order in the district we have taken measures to extern three persons. In the coming days, we will inform the media about it. For the smooth and transparent election process, we have taken these measures and we have filed preventive cases against 500 people. Within three days we will hold the route march and flag march from the Central Paramilitary forces to bring confidence among the people”.
Sandeep Patil further said, “Check posts will be monitored 24 hours a day. In the city, 2010 people have the license for weapons. They should deposit them in their respective police stations. If there is an emergency they can apply for the weapon. We have formed special teams to present those who are on a non-bailable warrant to the court. From March 12, the police department will train the police personnel in regard to the elections. Protection will be provided to political leaders who come from other districts and states.”