Chhattisgarh polls: Election Commission to monitor festive banners

RAIPUR: The Election Commission in Chhattisgarh has asked the authorities to videograph posters and banners during the upcoming festive season to see whether the political parties and candidates adhere to the election code which has already come into force.

Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Kujur has directed all the district election officers to videograph the posters and banners during the upcoming festivals like Diwali, Eid and others till the conclusion of election process in the state, an official here said.

The model code of conduct has come into force in the state from October 4 for the two-phased polls scheduled in November.

"Political parties may cash in on such social events for their campaigning which will be a violation. Posters and banners are usually used during the festive occasions, " the official said.

"Therefore the commission has asked the authorities concerned to closely monitor the faces of the people that figure on those posters. If any publicity is found in favour of any particular candidate, then the expenses of the concerned event will be added to the election expenditure of that candidate," the official said.