Model Code of Conduct applies only to Jubilee Hills constituency, says DEO RV Karnan

Hyderabad District Election Officer RV Karnan clarified that the Model Code of Conduct applies solely to the Jubilee Hills constituency and not the entire city. He warned of punitive action against attempts to influence voters.

Hyderabad: The District Election Officer, RV Karnan, said that since the Jubilee Hills constituency lies within the Hyderabad Metropolitan area, the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ (MCC) is applicable only to this constituency and across the city.

He further warned that any attempts to influence voters through cash, liquor, or inducements within or outside the constituency would invite strict punitive action.

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On Wednesday, Karnan convened a meeting with representatives of various political parties at the GHMC Head Office, and presented a detailed presentation outlining the MCC provisions.

“For the first time in Telangana, coloured photographs of candidates will be displayed on EVMs during the Jubilee Hills by-poll,” Karnan informed.

He said that a ‘Returning Officer’ (RO) Office has been established at the Shaikpet Tahsildar Office. Nominations will be accepted from October 13, and all security arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and lawful nomination process in line with the Election Commission’s directives.

As per Election Commission’s guidelines, mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling booths. To facilitate voters, mobile deposit counters will be arranged outside polling stations. The political parties must publish the criminal history, if any, of their candidates in the media, along with reasons for their selection in case of pending criminal cases, as mandated by the Election Commission, said Karnan.

Joint Commissioner of Police Tafseer Iqbal warned that strict action will be taken against those violating the MCC.