Erode District Election Officer and Collector H Krishnanunni has asked political parties to follow the model code of conduct Upcoming Erode (East) By-Election on February 27, and has also asked individuals to carry valid documents if they are carrying cash and articles exceeding Rs 50,000, bottles of liquor and gifts of Rs 10,000 or more.
The Collector issued a press release asking political parties and all candidates to desist from making personal attacks. [other candidates] Do not make any comment on the basis of caste, community or language and create tension. Political public meetings are generally not allowed in educational institutions. “If the institutions concerned allow it, permission should be obtained from the election officer and meetings should be held without affecting the students,” the release said.
The press release said that distribution of cash, gifts, intimidation of voters and impersonating voters are against the law and action will be taken in such cases as per law. Political parties should also not obstruct meetings organized by other parties, the release said.
Mr. Krishnanunni said that parties can only criticize the past achievements of a particular candidate and should not speak about the personal life of the candidate. “Protest is not allowed in front of a person’s house for his political views,” he said.
The release also said that no flag post, advertisement banner, graffiti or any other material should be put up at the places of any person without his permission. Loudspeakers should not be used at all between 10 pm to 6 am and permission should be taken for conducting meetings. The release also asked the parties to desist from using single-use plastic items banned in the state.