ludhiana votes 2014-poll code violation-Phoolka moves EC against SAD
Friday, 14/03/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140314/ldh1.htm#9
Ludhiana : The election scene is hotting up in the Ludhiana constituency. HS Phoolka, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Ludhiana, today lodged a complaint with VK Singh, Election Commissioner (EC), Punjab, about the “blatant and flagrant” violation of the model code of conduct by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the Ludhiana constituency.
Phoolka, in his complaint, demanded de-recognition of the SAD. He also demanded that commercial rates be charged for each hoarding and these expenses be added to the candidate’s election expenses. Phoolka said a separate case for the defacement of the public property should be filed for each “violation”.
The complaint said the SAD had pasted over 5,00,000 posters on walls in the markets, homes and public buildings. In addition, over 50,000 huge hoardings have been installed all over the Ludhiana constituency.
“The hoardings and posters of the SAD can be seen on electric poles, bridges, flyovers, pillars supporting flyovers, and even on the walls of a public cremation ground,” Phoolka said.
According to Phoolka, even religious places have not been spared and huge hoardings of the SAD have been pasted outside major gurdwaras of the city. Posters have also been affixed on taverns.
There are some villages, such as Alamgir, where each and every house has been marked with a poster of the SAD. Public schools and community centres also have the SAD posters. The fear of the ruling government and the local BJP-SAD leaders is so pronounced that no villager dares to remove posters, said Phoolka.
