Panchayat Polls: Odisha SEC Asks Collectors To Pull Down Govt Hoardings Across State 

With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in force for the upcoming general elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha, the State Election Commission on Wednesday ordered removal of hoardings and stickers displayed at public places and government offices across the State highlighting achievements of the State government.

“It has been brought to the notice of the Commission that hoardings highlighting the achievements of Government with or without the photographs of politicians/Ministers are being displayed in different Government offices/public places in the district,” RN Sahu, Secretary to SEC said in a letter.
  
“Further, stickers of different Government schemes are being used in the vehicles of Government officers. Many of these also carry the photograph of politicians/Ministers. Both of these actions violate the Model Code of Conduct which is in force throughout the State (including Urban areas),” the letter addressed to all Collectors stated. 

The Commission directed the Collectors to immediately remove all such hoardings and stickers and furnish a compliance report.

The three-tier Panchayat elections in Odisha will be held in five phases starting from February 16, 2022. 

As per the detailed schedule announced on Tuesday, the voting will be held on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. The polling will begin at 7 am and continue till 1 pm. 

The counting of votes will be held at Block sadar level on February 26, 27 and 28.  

The model code of conduct which came into effect on Tuesday will be in force till February 28, 2022.