Posters, hoardings still on display in district

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 10

The tall claims of removing political hoardings made by the Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, had fallen flat as posters, paintings and hoardings are quite visible in the district even after six days of the implementation of the model code of conduct.

Though the administration has removed such material to a large extent from the city, it has failed in removing it completely as per the norms of the Election Commission.

Main political parties like Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have defaced walls in the district with their wall paintings and hoardings. The SAD is publicising its various schemes such as Atta Dal scheme, free pilgrimage and pension through these. On the other side, the Congress is wooing voters with the slogan “Chahunda Hai Punjab Captain Di Sarkar” and projecting Capt Amarinder Singh as the state CM candidate.

AAP is also giving competition to its opponents with its wall paintings with slogans like “Kejriwal Kejriwal Sara Punjab tere Naal” not only in the city but also in periphery areas. Poll officers had assured that all hoardings would be removed within three days.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Basant Garg held a meeting with officials and gave directions to them to implement the code of conduct strictly.

The District Electoral Officer said no body could use the complex of religious places, dharmshalas, schools, colleges or any other education institute for election rallies.

He said guidelines of the Supreme Court should be followed and no one would be allowed to seek vote in the name of religion and cast.

Contestants have to take permission from the returning officer to use loud speakers and to conduct election rallies and public meetings.