Poll candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections will have to refrain from attending Republic Day celebrations organised in various societies across Noida, as it will be deemed a violation of the model code of conduct currently operative in the state.
NP Singh, the returning officer and the district magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, categorically said that if candidates were caught attending any function, the money spent on organising the event would be considered part of the candidate’s poll expenses.
Singh also appealed to society representatives to avoid inviting poll candidates.
The Election Commission of Gautam Buddh Nagar has capped election expenses for individual candidates at Rs 28 lakh to provide a level playing field. If poll expenses exceed this ceiling, it will be a violation of the model code of conduct.
Residents are supportive of the decision and are willing to comply.
Vivek Singh Tomar, a resident of Paras Tiera, an upscale society in Sector 137, said, “Republic Day is a national festival and no one should be allowed to gain political mileage from it. Politicians who come to such functions use the opportunity to canvass for themselves.”
Rajnish Nanada, RWA president of Parsvnath Prestige, another upscale society in Sector 93A, agreed. He added, “We will celebrate the day by inviting senior citizens of the society as guests. They will unfurl the tricolour.”
Amit Gupta, AOA general secretary of Prateek Wisteria, Sector 77, welcomed the move and said they would stick to the rules laid down by the election commission.
