J&K polls: 23 officials suspended for MCC violations, ₹130crore seized
The Jammu and Kashmir State Election Commission has suspended 23 government officials for breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines amid the assembly elections. Additionally, the commission said that different enforcement agencies have confiscated ₹130 crore linked to these violations. The election office also disclosed that 20 employees were moved from their current posts to different locations after complaints of political favoritism.
Breakdown of seized funds
The Police Department reported the largest seizure, amounting to ₹107.50 crore. The Central Goods and Services Tax Department followed with a seizure of ₹9.88 crore, while the State Goods and Services Tax Department seized ₹8.03 crore. The Narcotics Control Bureau confiscated ₹2.06 crore, and the Income Tax Department reported a seizure of ₹87 lakh. The State Excise Department had a total seizure of ₹50 lakh.
Over 7,000 permissions granted to political parties
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of J&K, PK Pole, recently shared that around 7,088 permissions were given to political parties and candidates for election-related activities. These activities included rallies, processions, opening party offices, and vehicles for star campaigners and office bearers. Pole added that out of 1,263 reported MCC violations in the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, 600 have been resolved after investigations, while 364 cases are still being looked into.
Notices issued
Pole also said that 115 notices are still out against candidates, political parties, media houses, and others for reported MCC violations. Plus, enforcement agencies have filed 32 FIRs related to the possession of drugs, cash, and illegal liquor. All these steps are part of the ongoing effort to ensure a fair and transparent election process in Jammu and Kashmir.
