Poll-related posters removed as model code sets in Gautam Buddh Nagar

Over 3,600 poll-related banners, posters, hoardings and wall paintings were removed from public places in Gautam Buddh Nagar within 24 hours of the model code of conduct coming into force, officials said Monday. The district administration also announced imposing CrPC section 144 -- that prohibits assembly of more than four people – in the district for next two months in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha poll process, they added.

The Election Commission announced Sunday the schedule for the 17th Lok Sabha poll to be held in seven phases, beginning April 11 with results to be out on May 23. Gautam Buddh Nagar in western Uttar Pradesh with more than 14.88 lakh voters goes to poll on April 11 in the first phase itself. "1.34 lakh new voters will be given their voter identity cards with their photographs within a week,” District Magistrate Brijesh Narain Singh told reporters.

"With the model conduct of conduct in force, 3.644 election-related banners, hoardings, wall paintings and other publicity material have been removed,” he said. He said the MCC guidelines were being implemented strictly in Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency, which comprises Noida, Jewar and Dadri assembly segments as well as Bulandshar's Khurja and Sikandrabad assembly areas.

The total voters' count of 14.88 lakh excludes those of Khurja and Sikandrabad, said officials, adding the constituency's electoral roll was still being revised. "We are also monitoring unnatural flow of money. Flow of cash and liquor is also being watched. No rally or public event related to elections can be held without the permission of the district election officer or the returning officer and any violation of the Election Commission's guidelines will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

A special committee with cyber experts will also keep a tab on the social media to check any violation of the model code of conduct. “The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has social media experts,” Singh said.

"Social media is a very good and useful tool and I appeal to the people to put it to good use by raising poll-related awareness and not spreading unverified information," he added. District Magistrate Singh warned of "exemplary action" against those found guilty of misusing social media to impact elections.

The election notification for Gautam Budh constituency would be issued on March 18, nominations can be made till March 25 with the last date of withdrawal being March 26. According to local election officials, voting will be done in 1,536 polling stations across the constituency which will have facilities of drinking water, toilets, and will be accessible to 'divyangs'.

(With inputs from agencies.)