SMSes from candidates to electorate to come under scanner

SMSes from candidates to electorate to come under scanner

Lucknow (PTI): The Election Commission will now put SMSes sent by Lok Sabha candidates to the electorate under the scanner.

"Though there is no restriction on sending SMSes, if any candidate or political party sends a message containing something objectionable including an SMS on religious lines, legal action would be taken," State's Chief Electoral Officer Anuj Kumar Bishnoi said on Thursday.

Mr. Bishnoi said that in case a person finds any SMS sent by a candidate or a political party objectionable, he can forward it to the police control room.

A complaint will be registered and legal action would be taken, he said, adding that the cost of sending the SMS would be included in the election expenses of the candidates.

Besides that, ministers and leaders would not be allowed to use official vehicles fitted with beacon lights and hooters, he said.

"If any minister or leader is found using vehicle fitted with beacon light and hooters, it will be taken as violation of the model code of conduct, and he will be penalised," he said.

Mr. Bishnoi said that during elections releasing funds from the discretionary quota will not be allowed.