Lok Sabha elections 2019: Party banners, flags spotted near several polling booths - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Party banners, flags spotted near several polling booths

Hindustan Times, Gurugram | ByTeam HT
May 13, 2019 03:53 AM IST

When the returning officer was apprised of the issue by several individuals, he directed an official to remove the flags. However, this did little to change the situation as most violations continued to exist.

Banners, flags, and scarves bearing symbols of political parties were carried within 100 metres of several polling booths in Gurgaon Lok Sabha constituency Sunday, despite their presence in that radius being prohibited as per the model code of conduct.

Similarly, in Sector 69, two polling assistance booths right outside the polling booth in Tulip White had flags of two political parties affixed to metal poles supporting the tent around 9.30am.(HT Photo)
Similarly, in Sector 69, two polling assistance booths right outside the polling booth in Tulip White had flags of two political parties affixed to metal poles supporting the tent around 9.30am.(HT Photo)

Such violations were mostly observed at polling booths located in sectors 47, 50, 69, 78, DLF 5 and Nuh Town in Mewat.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In Sector 50, at a polling assistance booth outside the Nirvana Patio club around 8.15am, flags of political parties could be seen along with inscriptions of the same political party in the tent that was covering the booth. The site was less than 100 metres from the polling booth where voters approached officials to check if their name was on the ballot and get details of the serial number and booths where they were supposed to cast their votes.

When the returning officer was apprised of the issue by several individuals, he directed an official to remove the flags. However, this did little to change the situation as most violations continued to exist.

Similarly, in Sector 69, two polling assistance booths right outside the polling booth in Tulip White had flags of two political parties affixed to metal poles supporting the tent around 9.30am. When officials at the polling booth were asked about the violation, they said the an officer had come earlier in the morning, made his observations, and left.

The same situation was observed by a Hindustan Times team outside the polling booth in Sector 47—a ‘model booth’—where the assistance booth had flags of a political party affixed to them, as well as in Sector 78, where a polling agent was spotted with a bundle of pamphlets of the political party he was affiliated to. The agent refused to comment when approached by HT.

In DLF 5 also, right outside the gate of a private school where voters could cast their votes, in two polling assistance booths, flags of political parties were affixed to the metal poles supporting the tent. In one of the assistance booths, officials could were wearing scarves of a political party around their necks.

“The violation—of political banners, flags bearing symbols of political parties being carried within 100 metres of a polling booth—was noticed in many parts. If there are any further complaint or information about more such violations, action will be initiated,” Amit Khatri, deputy commissioner, said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On