Assembly Elections: Free Coupon Ban

Harsh action if found distributing badoos or gifts: District Collector Nitesh Patil warns

Belgaum, March 13 (Karnataka News): The Election Commission has restricted the distribution of any kind of gift, including cookers, household utensils, sarees, and free coupons, to the public on the occasion of the assembly elections. Therefore, District Collector Nitesh Patil warned that strict legal action will be taken if such activities are found in the district. He was presiding over the meeting of the representatives of all the recognized and registered political parties and the officials of the election officers of the assembly constituencies held on Monday (March 13) in the hall of the District Collector’s office in the background of the assembly elections of 2023.

All the political parties should compulsorily follow certain directions given by the Election Commission of India regarding the steps to be taken immediately in the wake of the assembly elections. The Election Commissioner has been directed to take strict measures to prevent the luring of voters during elections. According to that, monitoring has been done throughout the district. Badoot is not allowed; gifts cannot be given.

On this occasion of the election, no gift of any kind, including duddu, a cooker, household utensils, or a saree, can be distributed. District Collector Patil said that if the distribution of such items is found, they will be confiscated and a case will be registered. Baduta cannot be given; a play cannot be arranged. Giving any kind of coupon—a free ticket, a free gasoline coupon—will lure the voters. Therefore, the collector made it clear that, as per the directives of the Election Commission, these will not be allowed. A checkpoint will be established to monitor the movement of goods at the border. He warned that if illegal stock of cookers, sarees, and household items were found in any storehouses in the district, such items would be confiscated. 21 check posts have already been set up to control liquor traffic in the district. More check posts will be started in the coming days. All the political parties must follow the directions of the Election Commission strictly. Information about this should be given to all representatives and office-bearers of the party.

The DC informed them that strict action will be taken as per law if the commission’s directives are found to be violated. District Magistrate warns: “33 people are now in exile in the district.” So far, 33 people have been exiled in the district. Therefore, he warned that strict action will be taken against any person who threatens law and order. He informed us that those who carry out illegal activities will be monitored. Promotional banner permission is mandatory.

District Collector Nitesh Patil said that permission must be obtained from the municipal corporation, urban local bodies, and concerned gram panchayats to install any kind of promotional materials, including banners. No banners or promotional materials of any kind may be pasted without permission. Action will be taken if the rule is violated.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any government employee who is found campaigning in an election or in favor of a party, he said. Voters who have completed 80 years in the district will be identified and given a postal ballot. Separate teams will be formed to monitor social media as well. “Hateful things should not be shared, he said. The model code of conduct will be implemented soon, and all preparations have been made for the election, including the appointment and training of officials.

Request to provide information on irregularities:

He said that if any kind of bribery or giving of gifts is found in connection with the election, the information can be given directly to the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Commissioner of Police.

Appeal to support fair elections:

The main priority for all of us is to conduct fair, fearless, and free elections. Belagavi City Police Commissioner Dr. MB Boralingaiah requested that the role of election parties is very important in this regard and everyone should cooperate. It is our responsibility to enable voters to vote freely and fearlessly. The police department will take strict action against those who cause any kind of disturbance in the election process. All political parties should carry out their election campaigns peacefully through mutual cooperation. Police Commissioner Dr. Boralingaiah advised that appropriate information should be given to the office-bearers of the respective parties in this regard.

The directions given in the recent Chief Election Commissioner’s meeting in Bangalore should be strictly followed. District Superintendent of Police Dr. Sanjiva Patil said that if the rule is violated, a case will be registered without hesitation. Everyone has equal opportunity. So one should not disturb others during the campaign.

The borders of Maharashtra, Goa state, and neighboring districts are monitored.

On behalf of the district administration and taluk administration, regular meetings are held in this regard, and information is given to the office bearers of the political parties. Therefore, he requested that the directions of the Election Commission be followed. Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and Model Code of Conduct Nodal Officer Harshal Bhoyer said that check posts are already functioning to stop illegal money and liquor traffic. He appealed to the representatives of political parties, saying that everyone should cooperate in conducting fair and impartial elections.

Deputy Forest Conservator Harshabhanu, Additional District Collector KT Shantala, Metropolitan Corporation Commissioner Dr. Rudresh Ghali, Electoral Officers of all constituencies of the district, and representatives of various political parties were present in the meeting.