Ichalkaranji, March 25 - The Samajwadi Party of Maharashtra has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct by the Maharashtra government and Mahavitaran Company. The complaint, submitted by Pratap Hogade, the party's working president, highlights the distribution of electricity bills containing government advertisements, which the party deems as a breach of electoral guidelines.
Following the implementation of the Code of Conduct post-March 16, approximately 2.75 crore electricity consumers in the state have reportedly received bills adorned with advertisements promoting the state government's initiatives. Notably, these bills prominently feature photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar, alongside descriptions of Maharashtra's progress under the banner of 'Surajya - Ek Varsh Surajchae.'
Pratap Hogade emphasized that such advertisements constitute a blatant violation of the electoral code of conduct and called for immediate action against both the Maharashtra government and Mahavitaran Company. The complaint was formally lodged on the portal of the Election Commission of India in New Delhi and conveyed via email to the Chief Election Officer of Maharashtra State in Mumbai.
In response to the complaint filed on March 23, the Mahadistribution Office in Kolhapur was instructed by the commission to cease the distribution of bills containing advertisements. However, despite this directive, such bills continue to be distributed across the state. Hogade stressed the importance of extending this directive to all districts in Maharashtra through the Mahavitaran Pradesh office.
The Samajwadi Party reiterates its demand for strict action against both Mahavitaran and the state government for their alleged violation of the code of conduct. The complaint, filed with the Election Commission on the night of March 24, underscores the party's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fairness in the run-up to the elections.
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