Shimla, May 22
The enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Lok Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh has seen a flurry of complaints and actions, reflecting the intense political rivalry and high stakes of the electoral process. Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg detailed that out of 1,406 complaints received since the MCC’s enforcement, 1,235 have been resolved, highlighting the department’s commitment to addressing electoral grievances swiftly.
Key incidents include An FIR under sections 341 and 323 IPC was registered in Kaza, Lahaul & Spiti, following a BJP complaint about obstruction of Kangana Ranaut rally recently. The Returning Officer cum SDM issued a notice to the Youth Congress in this regard.
The BJP filed a complaint about objectionable material posted on Facebook by “Hamirpur Congress Youth Club” against Kangana Ranaut. The matter was escalated to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for action, including a request to remove the post.
Multiple complaints were lodged by the Congress against Kangana Ranaut for alleged MCC violations, including personal remarks against Vikramaditya Singh. Notices were issued by the DEO/DC Mandi and Kullu, and inquiry reports were sent to the ECI.
Kangana Ranaut received a notice from DC Mandi for making religious remarks and for publicly offering medical assistance to a girl injured in Palampur, actions deemed as MCC violations.
Complaints against Vikramaditya Singh for derogatory remarks about Kangana Ranaut and a fabricated appearance of Rahul Gandhi circulated on social media led to FIRs and notices. An FIR was registered under various IPC sections and Section 125 of the RP Act 1951.
Several government employees, including Project Officers, SHOs, and BDOs, were transferred or faced disciplinary actions for alleged involvement in political activities. Notable cases involved the re-employed Assistant Engineer in Jubbal-Kotkhai and the Chief Engineer, HPSEBL.
Actions were taken against individuals like the Assistant Professor from GDC Kullu and the Senior Executive Engineer, HPSEBL, for their political involvements. An inquiry was initiated against a re-employed Kanungo in Gumarwin.
Following a complaint by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, all hoardings displaying government schemes were removed promptly. Thakur also filed complaints against the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojna” for potential MCC breaches.
Notices were issued to social media pages like “Shri Jai Ram Thakur 4 CM Himachal” and others for derogatory posts. The DGP of Himachal Pradesh was asked to lodge FIRs and take appropriate actions.
Congress accused Union Minister Anurag Thakur and others of making religious statements to garner votes, with the ECI being informed for further action.
State Election Department underscore the rigorous enforcement of the MCC to ensure free and fair elections in Himachal Pradesh as it stated that around 88 pet cent complaints are resolved or action has been taken by issuing notice to concern parties and returning officer.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
