With the model code of conduct in force in Gujarat, the Election Commission team headed by Chief Election Commissioner  (CEC), N Gopalaswami  adopted a tough posture against government posters and hoardings across the State. The EC  ordered their immediate removal and swift action against the guilty for wall writings that incite communal sensitivities.

The EC team is on a two-day visit to Ahmedabad to take stock of the election preparedness and held meetings with the chief secretary, home secretary, DGP, district magistrates, returning officers and DSPs.

The EC saw red against backdated appointments and transfers of pliable officials and asked department secretaries to give details of such transfers and take prompt action in case of specific complaints.

Embargo on transfers

An immediate embargo has been implemented on  transfers of officials. Complaints of cable operators being forced to air particular political programmes had been taken seriously and steps were taken to curb this trend immediately.

Gopalaswami claimed that instructions had also been given to pull down banners welcoming people to a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ plastered in border districts of the State.

The EC team also instructed the top officials against issuing government advertisements and to seal borders to other states to prevent the use of bogus voters and use of liquor.

When asked about the Gujarat government decision to abolish octroi in the municipal corporations on the eve of polls,  Gopalaswami claimed that they had not received any papers stating such decision from the state government.