SP Siddharth Kaushal warns candidates against model code violation in Ongole

Ongole: Prakasam district SP Siddharth Kaushal announced in a statement that they would take action against the candidates if they try to entice voters money or other gifts and violation of model code under the existing laws and acts.

He also clarified that the police will be free and transparent and register cases on all violators irrespective of the ruling or opposition party in the state and advised the public to use 'Nigha' app launched by the state election commission to report violations immediately.

The SP has given suggestions to the public and the contestants of local body elections regarding the state election commission's Ordinance No 2 of 2020 by amending the sections 19A, 211 and 212 of Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act 1994. According to the ordinance, any person who entice the voters by distributing money, liquor, gifts and any other articles will be banished from contestation of any election for 6 years along with 3 years of imprisonment and Rs.10000 fine and disqualifying them from their elected post.

The SP also said that anyone who commits offenses during on the polling day by violating the election code will be charged under IPC sections, RP act, Town Nuisance act, Panchayat Raj act, Excise act, PDPP act and all special & local acts whenever and wherever applicable.

The SP requested the public to inform the police regarding any illegal activities during the elections by using election commission's NIGHA App, for initiating immediate action.