Chandigarh, April 23, 2019: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Dr. S. Karuna Raju today met the officers of all the oil companies operating in the State with regard to the model code of conduct.
Dr. Raju said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has fixed an expenditure limit to the tune of Rs. 70 lakhs for the candidates contesting the elections. In the recent past, there were allegations emerged that for fuel in the vehicles to attend the election rallies/road shows/campaigning. Keeping in mind with this trend the ECI has directed that vigil must be kept on the sale of petrol/diesel during the period of model code of conduct.
He also instructed that where ever big rally or road show will be held, record of sale of petrol or diesel and CCTV footage of that day will be collected from all nearby petrol pumps. He further said that record of bulk purchaser of petrol/diesel will be monitored. If required, it will also be minutely examined by expenditure observer and expenditure will be included in the expenditure register of concerned candidate.
The CEO further said that the oil companies would maintain the upto date record of the sale of petrol/diesel besides sharing the same with the CEO, Punjab. A Nodal Officer would also be appointed for coordinating with the oil companies in this regard. He also impressed upon the officers of the oil companies to ensure that Gas, items like liquor, other items, poster-banners etc. in the godowns meant for the purpose of storage the LPG Cylinder.
CEO also exhorted the officers of all the oil companies to not allow to use their premises for campaigning purposes without proper permission from Returning Officer. He also exhorted them to put up advertisements to bring awareness in young voters to exercise their right to vote and ethical voting. Additional Electoral Officer, Punjab, Mr. Sibin C and Rohit Mahajan and Sunil Negi from Indian Oil Corporation, Satish Chander Negi from Hindustan petroleum Corporation Limited and Sukhbir Singh Gill and Neeraj Bhatia from BPCL were present in the meeting.