In violation of code of conduct, BJP distributes wheat to voters

Thursday, 05/01/2017

http://epaper.dailypostindia.com/Details.aspx?id=170877&boxid=58818&uid=&dat=2017-01-05

Jalandhar : With Punjab going to poll on February 4 and Model Code of Conduct coming into effect, political parties were on Wednesday left making last minute efforts to woo the voters.

In one such incident, stark violation of code of conduct came to the fore, as local BJP leaders from Jalandhar Central assembly constituency were seen distributing free ration to the voters. Jalandhar Central constituency is represented by senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia.

The BJP leaders from the local Kirti Nagar on Ladowali Road were seen distributing wheat to the voters. A truck loaded with wheat was parked in the locality where residents left no stone unturned in taking their share of ration.

Interestingly, no official or employee from the Food and Civil Supplies Department under whom this work falls was present on the spot. It was out and out a BJP show.

However, when a section of media inquired about the distribution of ration, the area councilor and other local leaders maintained that they had already started distributing ration when Model Code of Conduct came into force with immediate effect.

Many residents also maintained that it was after two years that they were getting the supply of ration. “We getting wheat supply after two years today. Even we know that it is election time and the parties were reaching out to the voters to woo them. But the question is that we were we denied our right till date,” said a group of women.

Such was the mad rush to collect wheat that people brought their auto-rickshaws and vehicles to ferry their share to home. “I was informed by my neighbours that wheat was being supplied by BJP leaders. I immediately rushed to get my share,” said a domestic worker from Preet Nagar.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the truck was seized by the district electoral authorities and the distribution of ration was stopped with immediate effect.

District Electoral Officer (DEO) Kamal Kishor Yadav said that action would be taken against the official concerned, as ration was being distributed in blatant violation of code of conduct. “After complaints poured in, we had immediately stopped the distribution of ration in the locality. Apart from this, strict vigil was being maintained in the district to keep a close watch on any code of conduct violation incidents,” he said.