Collector tells do’s and dont’s of campaigning
| Date :14-Apr-2019 |
Staff Reporter:
An important meeting of candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections from Jabalpur Parliamentary Constituency and office-bearers of different political organisations was held at the Collectorate on Saturday. In the meeting, Election General Observer appointed by Election Commission of India for Jabalpur V Amuththavalli and Election Expenditure Observer Ved Prakash Mishra, District Returning Officer and Collector Chhavi Bharadwaj have given detailed information about the election expenditure and account handelling. DRO and Collector Chhavi Bharadwaj appealed to the candidates in fray to follow mode code of conduct during campaigning. She also apprised them about directions given by the Election Commission of India. She also gave details about legal action against candidates on violation of code of conduct to the candidates, election agents and office-bearers of election political parties.
The Collector asked the candidate not to use any religious event for their political campaigning and on violation strict action will be taken against them. Political use of religious and social events come under violation of code. For those candidates an FIR will be lodged. The events will be video recorded by the election office. On finding proof of election canvassing total expenditure of the event would be added in the account of candidate. Even the organiser may be any other person or institution, organisation. Chhavi Bharadwaj added that as per norms of Election Commission of India every day election expenses should be kept in account format every day and during election commission thrice details should be submitted before the Expenditure Monitoring Committee. The candidate can make payment only through bank accounts opened in view of election. DRO Bharadwaj said that cash payments below Rs 10,000 can be done in cash by the candidates. Day-to-day expenditure details will be crosschecked with register kept with election officer.
On any different candidates will be informed. On failing to produce desired information action will be taken against candidates. She further asked candidates and leaders of political parties to ensure that no public rallies, events should be organised without permission, vehicles and loud speakers should be used only after obtaining permission. On every printable publicity material details of publisher should be given compulsorily. On violation case under 127 A would be registered. She asked that candidates should take pre-approval of broadcasting advertisement in electronic media, radio, etc. she also asked for pre certification of advertisement on social media. While also have to taken certification for Social Media SMS, Voice Message, Audio Video and Jingles from MCMC.
The Collector further apprised about toll free number, C-vigil app and election expenditure related complaints could be registered. While citizen could register their complaints personally from 10 am to 11 am at Circuit House. In the meeting, Expenditure Committee, Nodal Officer and Jila Panchayat, CEO, Rajni Singh, Deputy Returning Officer and Additional Collector, Dr Saloni Sidana, Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Uikey, Additional Collector and Nodal Officers of MCIC VP Diwedi was specially present.