Model code violation: notice issued to Congress candidate in Kerala

Kozhikode: Following a complaint of breach of Lok Sabha polls Model Code of Conduct, the Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh issued a notice to Congress leader and UDF candidate from Vadakara in Kerala, Shafi Parambil, on Saturday.

The complaint alleged that Shafi attended an event titled “Eid With Shafi” on Waqf land next to Vadakara mosque, violating the mode code.

According to the notice, the use of places of worship in election campaigns is a violation of the model code. Notice observed that Shafi had breached the code under the initial observation of him attending the event, as alleged in the complaint.

The notice sought a response within three days.

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer in Kerala, Sanjay Kaul, informed that there were 2,09,661 complaints registered on breach of Model Code of Conduct in Kerala through the cVIGIL app, and actions have been initiated over 2,06,152. In 426 complaints, action is underway. The said count of complaints was received from March 16 to April 20. The complaints include those related to unauthorized posters, banners, boards, graffiti, posters without mandatory information, defacement of property, illegal money transfer, unauthorized use of vehicle, distribution of liquor, giving gifts, display of weapons, hate speech etc. were received through CV Vigil. Sixty-five complaints were received against advertising during prohibited times, and three complaints were received against paid news. Three thousand eighty-three complaints were rejected due to lack of facts.