Nagpur: With the State Election Commission announcing the schedule for Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, the model code of conduct has come into with effect from Wednesday (January 11) evening. Subsequently, the Mayor Pravin Datke, Chairman of Standing Committee Sudhir Raut, Ruling Party Leader Dayashankar Tiwari among others surrendered their official vehicles.
The State Election Commissioner J S Saharia on Wednesday said that the NMC poll will be held on February 21 and the counting of votes will take place on February 23. Nominations will start from January 27. With the announcement the code of conduct came into force with immediate effect.
The Mayor Pravin Datke was seen riding on a white-coloured Honda Activa with helmet. The official flag of Nagpur Municipal Corporation was removed from the car of Mayor. The drivers of respective cars took charge of the official vehicles of the office-bearers. The official vehicles would be in garages till the results are declared and new Mayor and other office-bearers take posts.
Model Code of Conduct:
It is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election. It is intended to provide a level playing field for all political parties, to keep the campaign fair and healthy, avoid clashes and conflicts between parties, and ensure peace and order. Its main aim is to ensure that the ruling party does not misuse its official position to gain an unfair advantage in an election. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force the moment an election is announced and remains in force till the results are declared.
