Bar on video-conference talks between ministers and officials

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Shrikant Walgad today issued directions asking the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues not to hold any discussion with officials through video-conference till the model code for elections is in force.
Stating this here today, an Election Department spokesman said no meeting through video-conference should take place between the Chief Minister, ministers and other political functionaries of the government and officials, individually or collectively.
Walgad also issued necessary directions for prevention of defacement of property and on other campaign-related issues.
According to the Election Commission, in states where there is no specific law governing prevention of defacement of property, display of easily removable material such as flags, banners, hoardings could be done on private property or premises with prior consent of the owner or the occupier.

However, in states where defacement law specifically prohibits display of flags, hoardings, banners, the provisions in the law will strictly apply and such material would not be displayed on private property or property in public view.
Walgad has also directed all departments and corporations of the state government to remove photographs and messages of political executives from their respective websites till the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
He said instructions issued by the Election Commission made it mandatory to remove photos and messages of political executives from various websites of departments and corporations of the government.
It has been observed that such content has not been removed from all websites. Hence, the directions have been issued for removal of such content from websites, the spokesman added.