JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 29 (BANN) : in response to government employees participating in election campaigns and political activities, the J&K Election Office has suspended 23 employees and terminated six contractual and Adhoc workers for breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Additionally, 20 other employees, facing allegations of partisan behavior, have been transferred to different tehsils and districts.According to the Election Office, enforcement agencies in J&K have seized assets worth Rs 130 crore so far during the 2024 assembly elections.
The Police Department made the largest seizure, amounting to Rs 107.50 crore, followed by the CGST at Rs 9.88 crore, SGST/CT at Rs 8.03 crore, NCB at Rs 2.06 crore, the Income Tax Department at Rs 87 lakh, and the State Excise Department at Rs 50 lakh.Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P K Pole detailed that approximately 7,088 permissions have been granted to various political parties and candidates for conducting rallies, processions, setting up party offices, vehicle use, displaying banners, flags, pamphlets, and holding meetings, among other election-related activities. These include vehicle permissions for star campaigners, party officials, and within Assembly Constituencies (ACs).Out of 1,263 reported MCC violations, 600 cases have been resolved after inquiries, while 364 are still under investigation.
Notices have been issued to 115 candidates, political parties, media outlets, and others for alleged MCC breaches. Furthermore, the CEO stated that 32 FIRs have been lodged in connection with illegal possession of drugs, cash, and alcohol by enforcement authorities.
