BJP candidate gets EC notice for code violation

GURGAON: The district administration has issued a notice to Umesh Aggarwal, the BJP candidate from Gurgaon, for allegedly putting up illegal advertising that violated the election model code of conduct.
According to the notice, two pull-page advertisements, printed on paper with similar dimensions and material as that of a newspaper, were inserted in newspapers on Tuesday.
The advertisement had images of newspaper clippings on one side and Aggarwal listing his priorities on the other side. Aggarwal has been asked to reply to the notice within 48 hours.
Ever since the model code of conduct came into effect on September 12, authorities have kept a close watch on all publicity material that appear without permission of the concerned returning officer (RO), who keeps a tab of poll expenses and checks publicity material for objectionable material. Aggarwal had not sought prior permission from the concerned RO to publish this advertisement.
An official said the two-page advertisement also did not bear a print line, which carries details of the printing press, nor did it mention the number of copies printed, both of which are mandatory under election rules.
Gurgaon district administration has activated all committees and teams, including flying squads and static surveillance teams, to ensure candidates comply with the model code in all four of the district's assembly segments.
Nodal officers have been appointed for various poll-related tasks like complaints of violation of the model code, checking of vehicles used for publicity, keeping watch on political advertisements, maintenance of law and order, etc.