Poll code violation by BJP goes unnoticed

Thiruvananthapuram: The model code of conduct went for a toss during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the capital on Sunday when BJP activists adorned the city footpaths with party flags. The party flags were erected along the footpaths surrounding the secretariat, next to the Central Stadium, where Modi addressed a rally.
The district administration, which had promptly sent notices to media houses that reported the news conference of AIADMK candidate Biju Ramesh, in which he made defamatory statements against minister and UDF candidate V S Sivakumar, surprisingly, seemed unaware of the violation.The election defacement squads were nowhere to be seen. Even top cops, who were moving back and forth on the road (ensuring law and order as part of PM’s visit), too did not seem to notice the violation.
The model code states that display of posters, placards, banners, flags, etc. of the party concerned or candidate is subject to provisions of local law and prohibitory orders in force. As per an order issued by the district collector and district election officer Biju Prabhakar, display of the same in government offices and public places, was restricted by law. The order issued in March also directed chief electoral officer, district police chief and returning officers to remove objectionable materials found on public places in compliance with the code and provisions in Section 209C of Kerala Panchayathi Raj Act 1994 and Kerala Muncipality Act 1994.
When asked, Prabhakar confirmed that erecting flags was in violation of the code. “We did not notice the violation as we were all behind important works, including the PM’s visit and other election-related works. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the code,” he said.