Raipur
The dates of urban body and panchayat elections in Chhattisgarh have been announced. State Election Commission chief Ajay Singh gave information about the election dates through a press conference at 3 pm on Monday. According to the announcement, voting for urban body elections will be held in one phase on February 11, while Panchayat elections will be held in three phases on February 17, 20 and 23. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Government and issued instructions regarding celebrating Republic Day during the period when the Model Code of Conduct for municipal and three-tier Panchayat elections is in force.
Let us inform that in this letter, the Commission has expressed the need to ensure that the code of conduct is strictly followed in all government functions. The instructions of the State Election Commission for following the Model Code of Conduct on Republic Day are as follows:
Political officials like Chief Minister, State Ministers/MPs/MLAs etc. will be able to be present in the function as chief guests, but the condition is that in their speech they will talk about the independence of the country, the glory of the state of India/Chhattisgarh, the achievements of the martyrs, patriotism and Will be limited to inspirational speeches only. Political propaganda will not be allowed under any circumstances. The existing schemes of the state can be mentioned in the address, but no new announcement can be made.
Chief Minister/Minister/MP/MLA or any other political official will be able to be present as chief guest/guest in government functions at places other than his/her home district or constituency. Such political officials who intend to contest elections from any constituency will also not be able to attend any function under that constituency as guests.
On the occasion of Republic Day, popular schemes of the government can be displayed in the form of tableaus. Pictures of political representatives will not be displayed on the tableaux. No new announcements of any kind will be made on the occasion of Republic Day. There is no objection to organizing cultural programs on the occasion of Republic Day, but it should be ensured that there is no political propaganda of any kind in these programs.
Elected public representatives of three-tier panchayats and urban bodies, whose tenure is remaining, will be able to hoist the flag in the offices of their panchayats and urban bodies. The Model Code of Conduct will be strictly followed in all functions organized on the occasion of Republic Day.
Model code of conduct implemented in Chhattisgarh
Let us tell you that during the implementation of Model Code of Conduct in the state, some restrictions are imposed on political parties and candidates, so that all the candidates can get an equal platform in contesting the elections. This continues until the election process is over. Let us understand to whom the code of conduct applies and what action the Election Commission can take on its violation.
Let us tell you that the rules made by the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections are called code of conduct. The Election Commission of India prepares the code of conduct with the consent of political parties. The rules of the election code of conduct do not apply only to political parties and candidates. It also applies to all organizations, committees, corporations, commissions like DDA, Jal Board etc. financed wholly or partly by the Central Government or State Government. It is also considered a violation of the code of conduct for these organizations to specifically advertise their achievements or announce new subsidies.
What are the things prohibited in the election code of conduct?
Once the code of conduct is implemented, public money cannot be used in any event that benefits a particular party.
Government vehicles, government aircraft or government machinery cannot be used for election campaigning.
Government vehicles will not be used to benefit the interests of any party or candidate.
All types of government announcements, inaugurations, foundation stone laying or bhoomi pujan programs cannot be done.
There will be a ban on transfer and posting of all officers/officials directly or indirectly connected.
No expenditure can be made from the Government treasury on advertisements regarding achievements of the party in print and electronic media.
All the hoardings/advertisements put up by the ruling party at government expense highlighting its achievements will be removed immediately.
It will be mandatory for any party, candidate or supporters to take prior permission from the police for taking out a rally or procession or holding an election meeting.
No political party can seek votes from voters on the basis of caste or religion.
All references to Ministers/Politicians/Political Parties are removed from the official websites of the concerned State/Central Government.
The ruling party will have to consult the Election Commission to determine the minimum support price of agricultural products.
Government cannot do transfer-posting
After the implementation of the Code of Conduct, the government cannot do transfer-posting of any government officer or employee. Even if the transfer has become very necessary, the government cannot take this decision without the consent of the Election Commission. During this period, the Chief Election Commissioner of the state can do transfer posting of officers as per the need.
What will happen if the election code of conduct is violated?
It is mandatory for all political parties and candidates to follow the rules of the Election Code of Conduct. Violation of the code of conduct will be taken seriously by the Commission. The Election Commission can take action against the violating candidate or political party. Action can also be taken against the concerned officer in whose area the violation occurred.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Election Commission can also bar the candidate from contesting the elections. If necessary, a criminal case can also be filed. There are also provisions for going to jail for violation. For example, the use of a vehicle for which permission has been taken for campaigning in the name of a candidate by another candidate in campaigning is a violation of the code of conduct. Action will be taken on such cases under section 171H of the Indian Penal Code.
