EC tells Jogi to stop giving out schoolbags carrying his pictures

The Election Commission has cracked the whip on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and has asked him to stop distributing schoolbags with...

The Election Commission has cracked the whip on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and has asked him to stop distributing schoolbags with his photograph on them.

Acting on complaints, the Commission shot off a letter to the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh, asking him to ‘‘ensure that the distribution of schoolbags with the photo of Ajit Jogi is stopped with immediate effect.’’ The Commission has also asked for a compliance report.

Along with four other states, Chhatisgarh is going to polls on December 1. The model code of conduct came into effect when the poll dates were announced.

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The Commission took the decision following a representation that the Tribal Welfare Department in the state was distributing free schoolbags with the Chief Minister’s photo on them.

The Commission was informed that the distribution of bags had been completed in three districts and in the rest, they would be given in the next few days,’’ official sources said.

Yesterday, the Commission directed all the five states— Delhi, Mizoram, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan—to take off hoardings, TV spots and newspaper advertisments overtly or covertly depicting the government’s achievements.