Panchayat gives cycles to girls, ‘violates’ poll code

Tribune News Service

Moga, March 23

In an alleged violation of the model code of conduct, the panchayat of Khosa Pando village in the district on Saturday distributed cycles to girl students of the Senior Secondary School under the Mai Bhago Scheme.

Spokesman for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Navdeep Singh Sangha said he had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that the Congress was trying to get political mileage by distributing cycles. “The cycles have been distributed to lure voters,” he said.

District Magistrate Sandeep Hans said he has ordered a magisterial probe into the allegation. “I have asked the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to visit the school premises, enquire the distribution of cycles and submit a report to me by tomorrow,” he said.

It was also learnt that photographs of the cycle-distribution ceremony were also posted on social media without any prior approval from the Election Commission.