General Observer and DEO conduct meeting with candidates, representatives of political parties

Ludhiana, May 17, 2024: In order to ensure a free, fair, and inducement-free election under Ludhiana parliamentary constituency, General Observer Divya Mittal and District Election Officer Sakshi Sawhney convened a meeting on Friday with contesting candidates and representatives of various political parties at Bachat Bhawan.

General Observer Divya Mittal and District Election Officer Sakshi Sawhney provided insights into the procedures and clarified various aspects of the electoral process. During the meeting, several key topics were addressed, including permissions for election-related activities, the expenditure limit of Rs 95 lakh per candidate, strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and the role of stakeholders in upholding democratic values. 

DEO Sakshi Sawhney said that with the withdrawal of one candidate, now 43 candidates had left in the fray and symbols had also been allotted today to them. She said that now three ballot units would be used in each polling booth and more ballot units would be coming soon in the Ludhiana. She said that the list of EVMs would also be shared with them by the administration. She said that any kind of permission for the election related activities could be obtained from Suvidha online portal before 48-hours of the event as a first come first serve basis. She told them to ensure the name of publishers and printers on the hoardings/posters/pamphlets. Further, they were asked to ensure none of government buildings must be defaced with any kind of election related material. During the road shows, the convoys of the vehicles must have a gap after 10 vehicles and a gap of 100-meter must be maintained to ensure road safety. Their offices must not be inside 100-meter distance of the polling station. No event could be held in the premises of the educational institutions. 

The DEO told them to use their separate accounts for any kind of spending on the election related activities. She said that information regarding any kind of movement of EVMs would be shared with all of them. She said that flying squads and static video surveillance teams would monitor activities, and any violations would be dealt with firmly. She also told them to refrain from campaigning in religious places and warned that any candidate found paying obeisance while wearing party symbols or slogans would be considered in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, the use of children in electioneering was strictly prohibited, and those found using children would face severe consequences. They were also asked to obtain consent from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for any advertisements on social or electronic media, bulk SMS, and others. She also asked them to cooperate and follow the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India to ensure a free and fair poll.

General Observer Divya Mittal said that it was heartening to see 43 candidates were contesting in Ludhiana. She said that anyone could contact her and other observers on their mobile number and International Guest House, PAU from 10 am to 11 am. She said that if any of the candidates had any information about wrongdoing in the elections, could contact them. She also assured that elections in  Ludhiana parliamentary constituency would be held in a free and fair manner and urged all political parties and candidates to follow all election commission of India guidelines and directions in true spirit. 

Later, the Expenditure observers also held a separate meeting with the candidates and explained them about the guidelines of the ECI.