J&K government has strictly warned its employees to desist from participating in election campaigns for the DDC/panchayat polls.
A circular issued in this regard by Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi reads: “Some government employees have reportedly been participating in election campaigns and displaying partiality towards particular political parties in the ongoing DDC and Panchayat elections in violation of Model Code of Conduct, a matter, which has been viewed seriously by the authorities.
“It is accordingly impressed upon all Administrative Secretaries/Divisional Commissioners /Deputy Commissioners/HoDs to maintain strict vigil in this regard and ensure that no employee displays partiality towards any political party.
“It shall also be ensured that no official machinery is used for the purpose of electioneering, so as to ensure a free, fair and incident free election.”
Pertinently, a day earlier, State Election Commissioner (SEC), KK Sharma had addressed a letter to the J&K Chief Secretary wherein it had pointed out several complaints they had received in this regard.
“A few cases have been received by the Commission wherein Government officials have been reported to participate in election campaign or display partiality towards a particular political party during the ongoing DDC and Panchayat elections violating MCC,” the SEC said.
Recently, one of the contesting candidates in DDC polls in Rajouri district, Javed Iqbal Choudhary had alleged through his facebook post that a KAS officer, some doctors and engineers were openly campaigning for a regional political party’s candidate in DDC constituency Budhal Old-B (Peeri catchment).