EC keeps eye on dummy candidates in Uttar Pradesh

To issue notice if their vehicle is found being used to canvas for others in fray

The Election Commission is vigilant on the dummy candidates in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly poll fray, as political parties/candidates have fielded them to circumvent the ceiling on poll expense of Rs 16 lakh in the state.

The primary candidate, typically, utilises the dummy candidate’s additional facilities such as vehicles, polling agents and to reduce his/her poll expenses. Sometimes dummy candidates, bearing names similar to other party candidates, contest as independents to confuse voters.

State Chief Election Officer Umesh Sinha said strict action—under the Indian Penal Code -- would be taken against dummy candidates. Notices would be issued to them if their vehicle is found being used in canvassing/campaigning of other candidates or if they are caught carrying canvassing material of other candidates. Spot video filming would be part of the process. Further, the primary candidate would be issued notice for addition of the dummy candidate’s poll expenses to his poll expenses account.

The process of filing nominations for UP poll is on. Till yesterday, 585 candidates filed papers for the first two phases of polling across 19 districts, notifications for which had been issued. All the 75 districts of UP would go to polls -- in seven phases, starting February 8. The other dates are February 11, 15, 19, 23, 28 and March 3. The 2007 assembly poll had about 4,500 candidates in fray. Of them, 2,000 were independents.

So far, About 2,122 first information reports had been lodged over model code violations, while 5,226 illicit arms units have been busted (by the police). About 2,800 illegal arms and 4,328 cartridges have been confiscated.

Almost 5.14 lakh cases of violation of the model code had come to light. There pertain to wall writing, posters, banners and other canvassing material. The excise department had confiscated 1.50 lakh litres of illicit liquor, including IMFL, country liquor and beer.