Notice sent to admins of 12 WhatsApp groups for poll code violation in Maharashtra

Election authorities in Maharashtra issued notices to admins of 12 WhatsApp groups for alleged violation of the model code of conduct, an official said on Tuesday (October 15).

The notices were served by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) following complaints received by the Nanded district administration of poll campaigning-related posts being circulated on these WhatsApp groups ahead of the state Assembly elections next week

“Of late, social media is being used as a medium to reach out to voters. We have sought a clarification from them within a week over the posts,” said Nanded Collector Arun Dongre

An official of the monitoring committee said as per the Election Commission guidelines, sending messages denoting poll campaigning in private chats by a candidate was allowed but rules must be followed for posting such messages in groups.

He also said that they will check if the candidates, whom the posts referred to, were aware of these messages or not. “If yes, they (candidates) should include it in their campaign expenses. If they deny, we will take further action,” he added.

Polling for all 288 Assembly seats in the state will be held on October 21 and counting of votes will take place on October 24.