Jaipur : By-elections are to be held on 7 assembly seats in Rajasthan soon. Where political parties are making full efforts for this. The Election Commission has also started its preparations. Even before implementing the code of conduct, the Election Commission has warned political parties against violating it. The Commission has said that strict action will be taken against those who violate the code of conduct. Along with this, the Commission has already given instructions regarding advertisements.
Action will be taken against such advertisements
The Commission has said that during the by-elections, model election conduct should be observed on broadcasting unauthenticated political advertisements, messages, caller tunes, ringtones or appeals on mobile phones, social and digital media etc., use of objectionable and hateful content and foul language in media posts. Strict action will be taken for violation of the code. Chief Electoral Officer Naveen Mahajan has given instructions in this regard. Mahajan said in a meeting organized on Monday (September 30) to review the communication system in order to prepare for the Assembly by-elections, that in such cases, appropriate action will be taken for violation of Model Code of Conduct as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. Along with the individual, action will also be taken against telecom companies, media platforms and firms providing services of bulk mobile message transmission. He said that all stakeholders should be committed to following the code of conduct.
Instructions to improve communication system
The Chief Electoral Officer directed the telecom companies to improve the communication system in the 7 by-election constituencies of the state, so that there is no disruption in the quick exchange of information between the polling parties and officials during the elections. He said that special efforts should be made to identify areas with weak mobile signals and strengthen the network there. Besides, communication arrangements should also be made available at 11 communication-less (shadow area) polling stations identified in remote areas in Salumber and Chaurasi (Dungarpur) assembly constituencies.
There will be complaint of violation of code of conduct on social media also
Director General of Police (Communications) Anil Paliwal, who was present in the meeting, said that Rajasthan Police will ensure barrier-free communication through wireless network at all these identified polling stations. Also, if required, better communication networking can be provided at other places also through police wireless system. Paliwal said that police helpline mobile numbers have been issued for complaining about cases of violation of code of conduct etc. through other communication mediums including social media.
