Election Commission warns candidates with criminal charges of action

BENGALURU: Candidates contesting these Lok Sabha elections will have to advertise in the media about criminal cases, if any, filed against them or else they will face action, said Munish Moudgil special officer (model code of conduct enforcement). He was speaking at a meeting with candidates contesting from Bengaluru North constituency.



The issue came up after two contestants from Bengaluru North admitted that they are facing criminal charges, but said they had not published about it in any media. They said the department of public relations should bear the cost.

Moudgil said that the cost would have to be borne by the candidates and if the information is not published he would take it up with the Election Commission of India for further action.

A few independents raised questions over the Election Commission being in the dark over several violations of MCC. One independent said major national parties were holding bike rallies where many people participate. “Do the participants spend money on their own or is someone paying them? Who feeds them? Is the Election Commission taking note of it?” he asked.

Moudgil said that EC has launched a helpline — 1950 — to report violations of MCC and anybody can dial the helpline and lodge complaints. Moudgil will daily monitor activities of static surveillance teams (SST), flying squad teams (FST), excise and other enforcement teams.

Veerappan’s wife, a star campaigner
Independents generally find it hard to get star campaigners. But one independent in Bengaluru North has got a celebrity to campaign for him: Slain forest brigand Veerappan’s wife Muthulakshmi. A former Tamil

Nadu

MLA, Muthulakshmi is campaigning for IMS Manivannan. She says it is a token of gratitude towards Manivannan, who helped her when she was jailed for no reason. Speaking to TOI, Muthulakshmi said, "Whenever the Cauvery river issue crops up, many Tamilians in Bengaluru find it hard to go out. Also, backward class people in Karnataka need a better life. I have come here to extend my support to Manivannan who can bring in change."