BBMP polls: State Election Commission enforces code of conduct

Bengaluru: Amid speculations whether the BBMP elections will be held or not, the State Election Commission has enforced the model code of conduct and the BBMP has issued guidelines to be followed by political parties and candidates during this period. The code of conduct will be in force until August 28, while the election is scheduled for August 22.

According to BBMP press statement, the political parties should not organise any public gatherings and candidates should not indulge in behaviour that aggravates caste, communal or linguistic tensions. Further, there can be no appeal to particular castes/community for seeking votes, and election propaganda should be avoided at places of religious worship.

The code stipulates that no party or candidate or their followers can use an individual’s land, wall, premises without their permission to erect flags, place banners and posters. Also, there will be restrictions on taking up new works and there will be no sanction of grants/payment out of discretionary funds. No laying of foundation stones for projects or schemes of any kind and all recruitment including temporary appointments should be stopped, the code directs.

Further, ministers should not combine official trips with electioneering work. Public spaces should not be monopolised by the ruling party and they should be made available for all political parties under the same set of guidelines.

The code also directs that the ruling party to avoid issue of advertisements in mass media (which could constitute abuse of authority) at the cost of public exchequer. If citizens note any violations, they can report them to the Election Commission.