Strict action against violating secrecy of vote: Udupi DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Apr 11, 2019: Diffrent private TV channels, many in number, are indulging in getting the opinion of the public in connection to the Lok Sabha elections. Asking them directly regarding to whom they are casting their vote and broadcasting the same,  is a direct violation of maintaining the secrecy of election. In this backdrop, cases will be booked against such cannels and public who are found violating the law and collecting opinions, warned Udupi DC Hepsiba Rani Korlapati.

 

She was speaking at the Lok Sabha Media certification & Monitoring committee (MCMC) meeting conducted under her leadership at the DC office and said that the voters are violating the secrecy of their vote is of concern.

The information is broadcast directly from by some channels. The DC directed that for open and fair elections, every candidate is provided equal opportunity; therefore programmes should not be aired bearing opinions supporting any one candidate or party. Public interview should remain an interview and should not become opinion based, she said.

Invitations to a few private programmes being conducted in the district bear the DC, Zilla Panchayat CEO’s name in the invitation without prior permission. Action will be taken against the organizers of such programmes, informed the DC. The Deputy Commissioner inspected the activities of MCMC and directed to keep a close eye on social media. ZP CEO Sindhu B Roopesh, MCMC nodal officer Shrinivas Rao, District News Officer Khader Shah, MCMC member Varadesh Hireganga and Mangaluru Akashavani Programme Director Ushalata Sarapady were present.

Sale of alcohol banned :   During the election, the DC has passed an order to close all types of wine stores, alcohol depots, distillery, star hotel and arrack shops within the limits of Udupi district from 6 pm on April 16th to the 12 pm of April 18th.

The sale/supply of alcohol at any hotel, club or arrack shop within the limits of the district has been banned.

In Kundapur, Byndoor  :  Election will be held at Byndoor Assembly constituency of Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency on April 23. In this backdrop, all types of wine stores, alcohol depots, distillery, star hotel and arrack shops within the limits of Byndoor taluk will remain shut from 6 pm on April 21st to the midnight of April 23rd, by the order of DC.