Election Commission Vigilant Against Inflammatory News During Elections
Bengaluru: The Election Commission is closely monitoring the dissemination of pamphlets, paid news, fake news, and content inciting caste and communal tensions during the election period, stated Additional Chief Electoral Officer Venkatesh Kumar.
Addressing a workshop organized in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Information Department at the Mahatma Gandhi Media Center of the Information and Public Relations Department in the city on Wednesday, Kumar mentioned that the Media Certification Monitoring Committee (MCMC) will approve advertisements on TV, channels, and social media before broadcasting.
The Election Commission is also keeping a watchful eye on paid news. If instances of paid news are reported, district-level election officials will issue notices to the concerned candidates within 48 hours. Kumar said that action will be taken against those who fail to obtain permission for their campaign material.
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Kumar highlighted the significant role of the media in elections, referring to it as the "fourth organ" in a democracy. He stressed the importance of mutual monitoring between the commission and the media.
He also outlined the regulations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), stating that incumbent parties are prohibited from announcing new schemes or starting government works. However, he clarified that there would be no hindrance in implementing drought relief, emergency services, natural calamity relief, medical treatment, or the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Kumar further said that political figures cannot use government vehicles, officers, or staff for election campaigning, and there should be no new notifications, appointments, or transfers in government jobs during the election period.
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Teen killed after being hit by private bus in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A 16-year-old boy was killed after he was allegedly hit and run over by a private bus while crossing a road here on Friday, police said.
The deceased was identified as Varun, they said.
According to police, the accident occurred around 11:30 am on the Hennur–Bagalur main road.
The boy who crossing the road on foot when he was allegedly struck by the bus and came under its rear wheel, leading to his death on the spot.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Following the incident, family members and locals staged a protest by blocking the Hennur–Bagalur road, resulting in heavy traffic congestion in the area.
The driver of the bus has been detained, and further legal action is being initiated, a senior police officer said, adding that an investigation is underway.
