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Harshraj Singh
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, April 17
As many as 154 complaints have been received on the cVIGIL app since the model code of conduct came into force in the city. However, 92 complaints have been dropped as these were “false or invalid”. Besides, mostly valid complaints are related to unauthorised posters and banners displayed in violation of the model code of conduct as per information.
Even after slapping multiple notices to the Congress, unauthorised posters at various locations still violate the code of conduct. On the other hand, representatives of several city-based NGOs have opposed defacement of properties by political parties and candidates.
An official on election duty said, “We had received 154 complaints on the mobile app till Tuesday evening. These complaints related to unauthorised posters, banners, gifts, vehicles, paid news and others for violating model code of conduct. However, 92 complaints were either found false or invalid and these were rejected.”
“Earlier, some persons had sent their selfie pictures to lodge complaints. Out of the remaining 62 valid complaints, mostly are related to banners and posters,” he added.
What is cVIGIL app
The cVIGIL is an innovative mobile application for citizens to report model code of conduct and expenditure violations during the elections. The app allows live photo/video with auto location capture from within to ensure digital evidence for flying squads to act upon in a time bound manner.
Besides, residents can also file complaints related to model code of conduct, election expenditure and poll related by using the Election Commission of India’s Voter Helpline and the mobile app.
Anoop Garg of Transformation of City, an NGO, said, “We appeal to all residents to use cVIGIL mobile app to lodge their complaints regarding illegal posters and banners violating model code of conduct. Political parties and candidates must avoid defacement of the city by displaying illegal banners or posters.”
District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Pradeep Kumar Agrawal said, “Complaints are generally related to banners and posters. In case of violation of the model code of conduct, notices are issued to violators.”
NGO plans to move National Green Tribunal
“Political leaders are getting their posters nailed to trees. After our complaints, these posters have been removed from different locations but nails are still inside trees. Our NGO members are making efforts to get these nails removed,” said Dr Amandeep Singh Bains of RBS Roots, NGO.
“Besides, commercial advertisements are also being nailed to trees across the city. We are planning to move the National Green Tribunal against advertisements on trees,” he added.
Earlier, Dr Bains had complained twice about illegal posters of the Congress nailed to trees.
The assistant returning officer concerned has served notice to the Congress chief for displaying MP Ravneet Singh Bittu’s posters on trees.
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