Strict action against disclosure of vote: DC warns

Team Udayavani, Apr 10, 2019, 2:51 PM IST

Udupi: Various private TV channels are indulging in taking opinion from the public in connection to the Lok Sabha elections. Asking them directly regarding to whom they are casting their vote and broadcasting is in direct violation of maintaining the secrecy of election. In this backdrop, case will be booked against such cannels and public who are found violating the law and collecting opinions, warned Deputy Commissioner Hepsiba Rani Korlapati.

She was speaking at the Lok Sabha Media certification & Monitoring committee (MCMC) meeting conducted under her leadership at the DC office and said that the voters are revealing the secrecy of their vote is of concern.

This is being broadcast directly from by some channels. The DC directed that for open and fair elections, every candidate is provided equal opportunity; therefore programmes should not be aired bearing opinions supporting any one candidate or party. Public interview should remain has an interview and should not become opinion based, she said.

Invitations to a few private programmes being conducted in the district are bearing the DC, Zilla Panchayat CEO’s name in the invitation without prior permission. Action will be taken against the organizers of such programmes, informed the DC. The Deputy Commissioner inspected the activities of MCMC and directed to keep a close eye on social media. ZP CEO Sindhu B Roopesh, MCMC nodal officer Shrinivas Rao, District News Officer Khader Shah, MCMC member Varadesh Hireganga and Mangaluru Akashavani Programme Director Ushalata Sarapady were present.

Sale of alcohol banned during election

Udupi: In the backdrop of the election, the DC has passed an order to close all types of wine stores, alcohol depots, distillery, star hotel and arrack shops within the limits of Udupi district from 6 pm on April 16^th to the 12 pm of April 18^th.

The sale/supply of alcohol at any hotel, club or arrack shop within the limits of the district has been banned.

In Kundapur, Byndoor

Election will be held at Byndoor Assembly constituency of Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency on April 23. In this backdrop, all types of wine stores, alcohol depots, distillery, star hotel and arrack shops within the limits of Byndoor taluk will remain shut from 6 pm on April 21^st to the midnight of April 23^rd, by the order of DC.