BJP, Congress, AAP violate Model Code of Conduct

Three political parties -- the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party -- have been booked for defacement of public property in various areas of the national capital, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said on Monday.

"Total 16 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered under Defacement of Public Property Act which is also a violation of model code of conduct. Nine FIRs were lodged against the AAP, six against the BJP and one against the Congress," Singh said, adding that the matters are related to the West, North and New Delhi districts.

"The Delhi Election Commission in its special drive, between March 10 and 24, booked total 28,113 people under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Delhi Police Act. A total of 169 illegal guns and 2,198 cartridges have been seized and 51 FIRs were registered for violation of Model Code of Conduct," Singh said.

"Our 210 flying squad and ground teams are removing posters, banners and other outdoor advertisement material in entire Delhi. Around 2 lakh banners, posters and hoardings were removed," Delhi's CEO said.

"Total 425 people were arrested and 425 FIRs were registered under the Excise Act. Total 1,68,740 bottles of illicit liquor, that included quarters, also were seized," he added.

Praveer Ranjan, State Nodel Officer of Election said: "Delhi Police on Sunday booked around 50-60 persons for violating the Model Code of Conduct for displaying the signage boards of a political party in Connaught Place area outside a Metro station."

Speaking about a group of people who were displaying a board written 'Chowkidaar' on it at IGI-airport, Singh said that he will look into the matter and will take action as per the law.

Singh also requested people to get themselves enrolled in the voters' list as the last date for applying for Voter ID cards whether offline or online -- April 12 -- is approaching.

He also appealed to youth to reschedule their outstation trips according to the election schedule.

"Currently we have over 2 lakh people under the age group of 18-19 in Delhi. People who have planned any outstation trip are requested to cancel or reschedule it after or before polling date -- May 12," CEO of Delhi said.

"Currently we have 1,40,25,415 voters registered in Delhi," he added.

--IANS

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