AURANGABAD, Jan 17: Election fever is yet to hit the district but the government's election machinery is working at a hectic space implementing the model code of conduct. Already 125 cases have been registered against various political parties for its violation.Elections supervisors of political parties are taking care to ensure that they fulfill the code norms. Not surprising, as the district magistrate and returning officer for the Lok Sabha election, I S Chahal, has so far put behind bars the city and taluka unit chiefs of almost all major parties, even if for a while, in the 14 days since the code became enforceable.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, whose party, the Janata Dal, does not have a strong network here, narrowly missed being arrested last week, when Special Protection Group (SPG) officials accompanying him insisted that he should be put up only at the Government Circuit House.
Chahal warned the officials that it would amount to violation of the code of conduct. SPG additional
director Pawar argued that a man who has held the office of the Prime Minister deserved to be accommodated in a government circuit house. While most constituencies may begin video shooting political activities only after January 28 when the filing of nomination papers begins, in Aurangabad already a score videographers are on their toes shooting public meetings, and VIP arrivals.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
