Election meetings could not be held at religious places: DM

District Magistrate Vimal Kumar Sharma today took stock of the election preparedness in Khoda area here ahead of Panchayat polls in UP and said that holding election meetings at any religious place have been prohibited.
Sharma along with senior superintendent of police and other administrative officials visited the area ahead of polls, which are slated to be held from October 9.
The DM told that prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC have been clamped in the district keeping in view the forthcoming Panchayat polls, District's information officer said.
The DM appealed the electors to exercise their franchise without any fear or allurement and not to assemble at the polling booths after casting their votes else action will be initiated for violation of section 144, the officer said.

Any person or henchman of any contesting candidate, if found mounting undue pressure or luring the voters by supplying them liquor, gift or monetary benefit, will be put behind the bars, the DM said.
He also exhorted the candidate to obey the model code of conduct (MCC) and not to indulge in any unlawful act.
Candidates will have to take permission for public meetings and no election meeting could be held at any religious place, the DM said, adding that stern action will be taken for the violation of MCC.