The observers act on receiving complaints from the general public over phone and as soon as there is confirmation about any violation they direct the local police to take necessary action. As per the poll code of conduct each candidate is granted six vehicle permits. The police can seize any vehicle being used for election campaign without mandatory permit.

The Mico Layout police on Thursday seized 11 vehicles used by BJP candidate Satish Reddy contesting from Bommanahalli constituency without required permits. He had brought his followers in the vehicles for a rally held at Ayyappaswamy Temple grounds.

Similarly, Congress candidate from Byatarayanapura constituency Krishna Byregowda’s vehicle was also seized.

However it was released a day later.  It is also mandatory for candidates to take licence to use mikes in vehicles.

Ban on material

The Election Commission has also slapped several curbs on use of campaign materials. Caps, T-shirts, saris and shawls bearing party symbols are banned. Transportation of such material is also deemed as a code violation.Recently the police seized 1,244 saris in a half-constructed building in BTM Layout constituency limits.

The seized material was worth Rs 4 lakh.

District Electoral Officer (BBMP) B S Ram Prasad said the poll observers have been appointed to notice violation of code of conduct.

“We have publicised contact numbers of all observers through media. Every day many people call observers and register complaints regarding one or the other kind of violation. If vehicles are seized, the candidates have to get them released by paying required fine in court,” he said. Vehicles seized by the commission will not remain locked in garage. Whenever they are required they are taken out for election duty.

A senior officer said: “The Election Commission of India itself has issued directions to use seized vehicles for election duty. Once the elections are over, the vehicles are returned to their owners and they will be paid as per government charges,” he said.