Bulk SMSes of political nature banned till end of polling

Bhopal: Bulk SMSes of political nature will remain banned till completion of polling for Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections at 5 pm on November 25. As per directives of the Election Commission of India, bulk SMSes of political nature cannot be sent during 48 hours before polling. Directives have also been given that all service providers must bring information about such bulk SMSes to the notice of all concerned immediately.

It has come to the notice of the commission that vested interests send some objectionable SMSes also during election period violating model code of conduct and directives given in this regard. The commission has also issued directives to ensure free, fair and peaceful electoral process. Police administration has been directed regarding such objectionable SMSes to publicise their special mobile numbers to which people can forward such SMSes received by them. First the police conduct enquiry and then ensure proper action against the sender under provisions of Indian Penal Code, Representation of People Act, 1951, Conduct of Election Rules 1961 and directives issued by the commission.