Notice to Ludhiana Mayor for poll code violation

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 10

The Urban Returning Officer-cum-SDM here has served a notice on Ludhiana Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria for using his official vehicle to travel to Bathinda to attend the bhog of the Bathinda Mayor’s mother two days ago.

Gohalwaria violated the model code of conduct by reaching Bathinda in his official Innova (PB 10 AP 0002) to attend a private function. He also brought along a pilot Gypsy from Ludhiana. Even the name plate of the Mayor and a flag were not removed from the car.

Gohalwaria had remained in the city for about half an hour but the district administration didn’t get to know about the violation. Later, when the administration was apprised of the matter, the Mayor returned to Ludhiana.

Bathinda SDM Sakshi Sahawney said they had issued a notice to Gohalwaria and sought his explanation. She said the course of action would be decided after receiving his reply.

Meanwhile, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori has issued notice to the DSP City I and II and told them to submit a report on the incident.

As per the Election Commission norms, a mayor cannot use his official vehicle for a private function during the period of model code of conduct.