EC serves notice on BJP councillor for violating norms

The state election commission today served a notice on BJP Councillor for violating model code of conduct by displaying his name and pictures in the banners and posters at Ramlila ground in Dwarka.
The SEC has asked Rajesh Gehlot, who is seeking a ticket from Matiala Assembly constituency, to file an explanation within 24 hours from the receipt of the notice.
"Failing which it would be presumed that there are no comments to offer and further necessary action would be initiated as per prevailing instructions and guidelines," the SEC said in a statement.
The SEC had received complaints against Gehlot, who is also Chairman of Standing committee, South Delhi Municipal Corporation that his name and photographs were prominently displayed at the Ramlila venue in Dwarka, Sector 10.

The SEC deputed a flying squad team from Assembly Constituency 34 (Matiala) to inspect the site and furnish a report in the matter.
The squad found that name and photographs of Gehlot was prominently figured in posters, banners, hoardings displayed at the Ramlila venue -- a religious platform visited by large number of people every day.
Following the report, the SEC said that prima facie, it appears that Rajesh Gehlot is utilising a platform of religious nature to further the electoral prospects of himself or his political party and also gain possible mileage by prominently displaying his name and photographs at the Ramlila venue.

"It is in contravention of the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the Election Commission of India and other relevant instruction issued from time to time," said Manoj Kumar Sharma, Returning Officer for Matiala (34) Assembly Constituency.