Kishtwar: Taking cognizance of an inflammatory video being circulated on social media, Returning Officer (RO) Inderwal has lodged an FIR and asked the police to investigate the matter.
The video in circulation on social media shows some unknown persons raising objectionable, inflammatory and inappropriate slogans and favouring contesting candidate GhulamMohdSaroori.
During the Modal Code of Conduct, such inflammatory slogans or propaganda is an electoral offence and violation of Model Code of Conduct as well.
Taking cognizance, the contesting candidate has been put to notice, who in the reply has altogether denied having any knowledge of such a meeting stating that some mischievous persons had circulated an edited/doctored video just to create a bad atmosphere into the festival of democracy.
The matter is under scrutiny before the Returning Officer. Meanwhile an FIR No: 51/2024 has been lodged in police station Chatroo under section 125 of the Representation of People Act 1951 and the investigation is on to nab the miscreants.
Samba Petrol Pump owners asked for strict MCC Compliance during elections
Samba : District Election Officer Samba convened a crucial meeting on Tuesday to discuss the adherence of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by petrol pump owners during the ongoing election period. The meeting was attended by representatives of all 38 petrol pumps in the district, along with key officials from various departments.
The District Election Officer emphasized the necessity of maintaining an apolitical stance during the enforcement of the MCC. To this end, several directives were issued to petrol pump owners to ensure a fair and transparent election process.
Prohibition on Free Fuel: Petrol pumps have been strictly prohibited from providing free fuel to vehicles associated with any political party. This measure aims to prevent any undue influence on the election process and ensure a level playing field for all parties.
Apolitical Conduct: All petrol pumps must operate without displaying any political party posters, flags, or promotional materials on their premises.
Adequate Fuel Supply: Petrol pump owners were instructed to ensure a sufficient supply of fuel for vehicles designated for election duties, including those used by polling parties, to facilitate the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of election activities.
Voter Awareness Initiatives: Petrol pump owners were encouraged to actively collaborate with the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) nodal officer and the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in voter awareness campaigns. This includes displaying voter awareness posters and playing jingles to encourage voter participation.
Traffic Rule Enforcement: The ARTO was directed to set up checkpoints and conduct random checks to enforce traffic rules, including ensuring that two-wheeler riders wear helmets. Furthermore, petrol pumps were instructed not to dispense fuel to two-wheeler riders who are not wearing helmets, reinforcing the commitment to road safety during the election period.
These directives reflect the commitment of the District Election Office, Samba, to uphold the principles of a free and fair election process while promoting voter awareness and road safety.
MC Shopian announces availability of advertising facilities for election campaigning in town
Shopian: In view of the forthcoming Assembly Elections 2024 and in accordance with the guidelines of the ECI, the Municipal Council Shopian has notified the availability of advertising spaces in Shopian town for political parties and candidates for the purpose of election campaigning.
Interested parties and candidates have been asked to approach the Municipal Council Shopian from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM everyday upto 15th of September 2024 i.e End of Campaigning period for reservation of hoarding spots at MC Office, New Building, Room No.05, First floor,Tax Section, contact number 9419780518.
The advertising space allocated is subject to the approval from DEO Shopian through online mode (ENCORE Portal) or offline mode from ENCORE team, located at Meeting Hall, 3rd floor, Mini Secretariat, Shopian who can be contacted at 7006550082.
21 sites are available across the town for the purpose at the rates of Rs 1666 per day for Hoardings sized 20×10 (14 sites available); Rs 1333 per day for Hoardings sized 20× 08 ( 05 sites available) and Rs 1000 per day for Hoardings sized 10×08 (02 sites available), inclusive of all taxes.
The payments is made at the time of allotment through cash deposition with the MC.
In addition to the above sites, five (05) LED advertising boards are also available at 4-Way Chowk, Bonabazar, GoleChowk, Zero Point and Batpora for AV display.
The advertising charges for these LED boards are ₹10 per second, payable to the MC Shopian through cash or online mode, inclusive of all taxes, subject to the approval from district Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, located at Meeting Hall, 3rd floor Mini, Secretariat Shopian and can be contacted at 9622610503 or 01933315080.
MCMC is the district level team for Pre-Certifying the political advertisements of AV aids.
To ensure a level playing field for all candidates and parties, the spots will be allocated equitably, on a first come first serve basis or draw of lots method.
FSTs act tough on MCC Violations, removes illegal campaign material from Govet properties in Shopian
Shopian: Flying Squad Teams constituted for monitoring Violations of Model Code of Conduct in district Shopian on Tuesday took concrete steps against MCC Violations in the district.
The teams acted tough and removed illegal campaign materials including flags and banners of political parties and contesting candidates pasted on government properties, at various locations of the Shopian.
The removal action was taken at TakMohalla, Shopian, Batapora, Gagren, EidgahArhama and Gatipora areas of district where teams removed illegal campaign material from electric poles and rooftops of Government buildings.
The illegal use of government properties for election campaigning by political parties and contesting candidates constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) of ECI.
All political parties and contesting candidates are advised to comply with the MCC and desist from using public properties for campaigning and instead are requested to approach authorities to use approved hoarding sites and AV sites of district for campaigning purposes.
6 FST teams, 3 each in Zainapora and Shopian ACs have been constituted by the District Administration on the directions of ECI to keep monitor MCC Violations. The teams are functioning, round the clock for the purpose.
