Karnataka asked to obey model code of conduct

The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka has warned all political parties who disobey the model code of conduct in the wake of the forthcoming elections in Karnataka.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, Chief Electoral Officer Vidyashankar said that he had been receiving reports of the model code of conduct being violated and that action would be initiated without fail. He said that the model code of conduct would be implemented with zero tolerance.

He also warned political parties against the supply of liquor during the election campaign. He said that there are plans to seal the Karnataka's borders to ensure that no liquor comes in from other states.

He also said that the details of the quota for retail liquor dealers was with them and they could easily keep a tab on the liquor supply throughout the state. He said that each dealer would have a quota allotted to him by the excise department and it is easy to track if he has exceeded that quota. Persons found exceeding the quota would be acted upon, he said.

Vidyashankar also called upon political parties to ensure that the elections are eco-friendly. He said that it would be in the interest of the entire state if the use of plastic was avoided and also if the roads were not littered with buntings and banners. He however added that only parties could ensure that the elections are eco-friendly and there was very little that he could do about it.