Poll code no bar for religious, cultural events, says SEC

However, political leaders are barred from using the platforms to make announcements to lure voters.

Permission required

According to a notification issued by the State Election Commission (SEC) organisers of cultural and religious events should take prior permission from Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendent of Police (SPs) to put up banners and for taking out processions.

The SEC clarification comes in the wake of the JD(S) submitting a memorandum to the Governor to direct all DCs and SPs to take steps to not allow 'Hindu Samajotsav' celebrations across the State when the election code of conduct is in force.

JD(S) Spokesperson Y S V Datta had charged that the Samajotsav celebrations had the potential to spark communal violence in sensitive districts.

The filing of nominations for the first phase of Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections concluded on Wednesday.

SEC Secretary D K Ravindranth said the total number of nominations filed would be compiled by Wednesday evening. As many as 479 ZP seats across 15 districts and 1,728 TP seats will go to polls during the first phase of the panchayat polls on December 26.