CPI writes to ECI on code violations

Chandigarh, Jan 24 (UNI) Charging political parties with violating the model code of conduct in Punjab, the CPI today asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately check such violations.

In a letter addressing to the ECI, state CPI secretary Jagroop Singh said that political parties were inventing new and novel methods of circumventing and violating the code of conduct in the assembly polls.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SA) led by Parkash Singh Badal is making use of transport companies owned by its party members for displaying Akali hoardings, banners and posters on buses all over the state, the letter claimed.

This violates the code of conduct as ''it is necessary to notify with the proper election authorities and obtain permission for the vehicles under use for electioneering'', the letter stated. This is also violative of the code that fixes the number of vehicles to be used by candidates and parties in the elections, the letter added.

''The display of hoardings and posters alongwith party flags and photos of candidates and leaders at public places like bus stands should be halted'', the letter said.

The CPI has called for immediately confiscating such vehicles and cancelling the candidature of political leaders violating the code of conduct.

''It is regrettable that authorities and observers responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections and to ensure full observance of the code are failing to prevent these violations'', the letter read.

UNI