Odisha Rural Polls: Remove Hoardings & Stickers Highlighting Govt’s Achievements, Says SEC

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Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) on Wednesday directed collectors to remove hoardings and stickers highlighting achievements of government displayed at public places/government offices in Odisha.

The commission said that these violated the model code of conduct which is in force across the state, including urban areas. “Hoardings highlighting the achievements of government with or without the photographs of politicians/ministers displayed in different government offices/public places violate the model code of conduct,” it said.

Notably, the panchayat elections in Odisha will be held over five phases next month from February 16 to 24. Voting will be held on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 from 7 am to 1 pm. The results will be declared on February 26, 27 and 28.

The model code of conduct came into force when State Election Commissioner (SEC) Aditya Prasad Padhi announced the schedule on Tuesday and will remain in place till February 28.

The commission also pointed out the use of stickers of different government schemes on the vehicles of government officers and said that these should be removed immediately.