Poll panel sends notice to BJP

The Election Commission issued a notice to the BJP on why its election symbol should not be withdrawn for violation of model code of conduct, by showing pictures of government buildings and officers in its manifesto for MP, HT reports.

The Election Commission on Saturday issued a notice to the BJP on why its election symbol should not be withdrawn for violation of model code of conduct, by showing pictures of government buildings and officers in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh.

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The EC notice was based on the report of the chief electoral officer of Madhya Pradesh, which said the party’s manifesto showed pictures of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the Supreme Court, MP High Court in Jabalpur and of government officers while discharging their official duties.

The code clearly states that use of government officers for furtherance of the prospects of a party is a corrupt practice and comes under the ambit of section 127 (3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951. The code also states that the party in power should ensure the official machinery is not used for election campaign.

In this context, the Commission observed, publishing of photographs of government officers and buildings is a clear violation of the code.

The party has been called for a hearing on Tuesday and asked why action should not be taken against it under the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order. The order provides for cancellation of the symbol if the party is found guilty of violation of the code of conduct.