Model Code of Conduct Cracks Down On Illegal Hoardings / Banners
With the announcement of the Lok Sabha 2019 elections poll dates, the Election Commission of India has imposed the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for ensuring free and fair elections. With the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, civic administrations across the State have launched a drive to remove posters, banners and hoardings of Government advertisements, particularly those having pictures of political leaders contesting the elections.
In Mulund, BMC T-Ward has removed as many as 50 posters and around 100 banners belonging to various political parties. A JCB machine was used by BMC T-Ward for this purpose. Besides removing the posters/ banner, T-Ward officials also captured the act in the camera through video recording.
Mocking at the hypocrisy of the BMC, a Mulundkar taunted, “BMC ignores such posters/ banners in daily life despite several complaints. These posters deface the city, but after the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, BMC is removing the posters due to fear of the Election Commissioner.”
In a press release, the Chief Election Commissioner, Sunil Arora, has announced that the Lok Sabha elections will be held in India in 7 phases. The first phase of elections will be held on April 11, 2019 and the last will be held on April 29, 2019. The counting of votes will be held on May 23, 2019.
According to the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, no political party or a leader has the right to violate these rules. As per the norms, no political party can use public funds that benefits a political party or a leader. There is a strict prohibition on using official resources like government vehicles, airplanes and bungalows. In addition, civic bodies are instructed to cover all public signs that bear the names of political leaders. For instance, the names of political leaders on a plaque put up outside a public toilet/ garden, etc., need to be covered.
BMC T-Ward’s implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in Mulund
Banners -129
Private paintings- 124
Covering of political leaders’ names – 52
Flags- 42
Posters – 5
Wall Paintings – 4
