Migmg news
BJP candidate from Kasbah Assembly constituency Hemant Rashane was booked for allegedly violating the model code of conduct after he carried a stolen placard bearing the party’s lotus symbol when he came to cast his vote on Sunday.
A first information report (FIR) in the case was registered at Vishrambagh police station late on Sunday. The offense was filed on the basis of a complaint filed by Amit Nanaver, Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for the by-election in Kasba Pet constituency.
Earlier on Sunday, Pune Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Patil lodged a formal complaint with election observer Neeraj Semwal. In his submission to Semwal, Patil said, “Despite being a candidate himself, Rashane came within 100 meters radius of the NMV School polling booth. None of the election staff nor the police stopped him. This was a clear violation of the model code of conduct. This offense was recorded by media representatives present on the spot. I demand that strict measures be taken against Rashane, but also against the employees present at the polling station.”
Senior Inspector Sunil Mane, in-charge of Vishrambagh police station, confirmed that a complaint has been lodged. “Based on the complaint filed by ARO, a case has been filed against Hemant Rashane for violating the model code of conduct because when he came to cast his vote, he was wearing a stole with a party symbol. We have referred to the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. “Further investigation is on,” Mane said.
The Kasbah biennale was held after the death of sitting BJP MLA Mukta Tilak. The votes will be counted on March 2.
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