ECI Maha branch registers 50 election code violations

Mumbai: Barely days since the Election Commission of India’s implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC), and the state branch has registered 50 cases of violation of the code, and seized close to `4crores worth cash from across the state. The MCC came into effect Saturday.

An official of the state branch of the ECI said, “The highest number of violations of the MCC has been reported in Pune followed by Nagpur, Mumbai and Thane. Eleven such cases have been registered in Pune, eight in Nagpur, and seven each in Mumbai and Thane districts.”

Additional chief electoral officer of Maharashtra Dilip Shinde told reporters that the income tax, excise and police departments have seized a total `3.79 crore in cash and kind. The seizure includes `1.36 crore cash, `1.68 crore worth alcohol, `29 lakh worth drugs, and `46 lakh worth jewellery.

Mr Shinde said that they have also removed illegal hoardings, banners, cutouts and flags from 75,981 government properties; 73,445 public places; and 16,428 private properties as the model code of conduct has been in force in the state.

Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant Monday demanded that posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at petrol pumps be removed immediately.

Asked about the same, Mr Shinde said that there is a provision for removal of posters within 24 hours, and that the Congress leader probably spotted the Prime Minister’s poster within 24 hours of the model code of conduct coming into force. However, they instructed all district magistrates to remove all advertisements, posters and cutouts within the stipulated period, he said.