Shimla, May 22 (UNI) The enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Lok Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh has been marked by a flurry of complaints and actions by the State Election Department, reflecting contentious nature of the electoral process.
Chief Electoral officer Maneesh Garg reported on Wednesday that out of 1,406 complaints received since MCC’s enforcement, 1,235 have been resolved.
Among notable cases was an FIR (first information report) registered under sections 341 and 323 of Indian Penal Code in Kaza, Lahaul & Spiti, based on a complaint by BJP about obstruction of their candidate Kangana Ranaut’s rally.
Also, BJP candidate, Kangana Ranaut, herself was subject of multiple complaints from the Congress party, which included allegations of MCC violations during her election speeches, where she reportedly made personal remarks against Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress candidate.
DC Mandi directed action against Ms Ranaut for publicly offering to cover medical expenses of a girl injured at Palampur bus stand, a move seen as a violation of the MCC.
She also received a notice for making religious remarks during her campaign in Mandi.
The Congress filed a complaint about a fabricated appearance of Rahul Gandhi on a social media post by “Bol Himachal,” resulting in an FIR under various IPC sections and section 125 of the People’s Representatives Act.
Also, Randeep Singh Surjewala’s complaint against Anurag Thakur for MCC violations was investigated, and a report was sent to ECI.
Notices were issued by DEO/DC Mandi and Kullu, and inquiry reports were sent to ECI.
Most of actions on various complaints, ranging from social media violations to employee misconduct, highlighted department’s rigorous enforcement of the MCC, the CEO added.
