Election code comes into force in J-K after poll announcement

SRINAGAR — The model code of conduct came into force in Jammu & Kashmir on Friday with the announcement of the schedule for Assembly polls in the Union Territory.

The Election Commission of India, while announcing the poll schedule, said that a model code of conduct for the government and political parties has come into force in Jammu & Kashmir.

In a letter to J&K’s Chief Secretary, the poll body, as per the news agency KNO sought implementation of the election code in letter and spirit.

The Commission said that the ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel during the electioneering work.

It said that government transport including official aircrafts, vehicles, machinery and personnel shall not be used for furtherance of the interest of the party in power.

“Public places such as maidans etc. for holding election meetings and use of helipads for air flights in connection with elections shall not be monopolised by the party in power. Other parties and candidates shall be allowed the use such places and facilities on the same terms and conditions on which they are used by the party in power,” the poll body said.

The poll body said that rest houses, dak bungalows or other government accommodations should be provided to politicians on equitable basis. “Issue of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer in the newspapers and other media and the misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided,” the Commission said.

It also said that ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants or payments out of discretionary funds during the election code.

The poll body said that ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants, in any form or promises thereof.

The Commission also said they shall not make any promise for the construction of roads or provision of drinking water facilities etc.