'Stop distribution of bags with pictures of leaders'

With the model code of conduct in force in poll-bound Himachal, the Election Commission on Sunday asked the state government to stop distribution of carry bags free of cost to PDS consumers with picture of former Premier A B Vajpayee inscribed on them.

The scheme to distribute free carry bags to 16 lakh PDS card holders, launched on August 15 last, had been put on hold till the model code of conduct was in force in the hill state, chief election commissioner V S Sampath said. Sampath, who was here to review arrangements for the assembly election, said, “Henceforth, no bags will be issued to PDS consumers with pictures of any political leader inscribed on them.”

He said the commission had received a complaint in this regard after which the action was taken . The commission had also received complaints regarding violation of the model code of conduct by the ruling BJP and these would be looked into and action taken, if warranted, the CEC said. He, however, expressed satisfaction over arrangements made by the state government for the assembly election slated for November 4.  He, however, said they received complaints about “bias reporting” by local Doordarshan Kendra.