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The drive covered major junctions, arterial roads, public places and areas around government buildings, and is being implemented on a priority basis to maintain neutrality and fairness during the election period. (File Photo/Arul Horizon)
A day after the announcement of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections by the State Election Commission (SEC), the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force across the city. To ensure strict compliance, PCMC has undertaken a large-scale enforcement drive, removing 4,819 unauthorised and political displays violating rules on Tuesday, officials said.
“Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct is essential to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The administration has taken timely preventive measures to avoid any undue influence, and all stakeholders are expected to adhere to the prescribed norms,” said Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, who is also the election officer.
The action was carried out by the Sky Signs and Licensing department and saw the removal of political flexes, banners, kiosks, stickers, hoardings, flags, signboards and wall advertisements installed without permission. The drive covered major junctions, arterial roads, public places and areas around government buildings, and is being implemented on a priority basis to maintain neutrality and fairness during the election period, officials said.
The PCMC administration said that the operation is in line with the directives and guidelines issued by the SEC to ensure transparency and a level playing field for all political stakeholders. The civic body has appealed to political parties, office-bearers and workers to cooperate with the administration and refrain from putting up any material that violates the MCC. Regular monitoring and enforcement will continue throughout the election period to prevent fresh violations.
“Immediately after the Model Code of Conduct came into force, action was initiated to ensure that no political hoardings, banners or flexes remain anywhere in the city. The drive is being completed on priority, and inspections will continue on a regular basis to prevent any violations,” said Rajesh Agale, Deputy Commissioner, PCMC.