LUCKNOW: As astonishing as it may sound, in a massive drive after the implementation of model code of conduct (MCC), the election commission of India cleared over 58,000 walls covered with political graffiti in Uttar Pradesh to conduct a fair election.
According to chief electoral officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Shukla, 38,891 wall writings from government properties were cleaned, while at least one third (that is 19,615) of the walls of private properties were cleared by ECI following MCC implementation.
He said, "Over 9.60 lakh publicity materials were collected from government and private properties across the state to ensure the MCC is implemented across the state."
Out of the total collected publicity material which included wall writings, posters, banners and other materials, 7.32 lakh were removed from government properties, while 2.28 lakh were removed from private properties.
The ECI stated that from government properties, 3.42 lakh posters, 2.30 lakh banners and 1.19 other kinds of publicity material were removed. Similarly, from private properties 1.14 lakh posters, 58,769 banners and 35,224 other publicity materials were removed.
CEO said, "In order to ensure peaceful polling in the upcoming 18th legislative assembly election, 10,007 arms licenses were deposited by police, nine arms licenses were confiscated and four arms licenses were canceled".
Similarly, while taking preventive action under IPC and CrPc, 28,474 people were arrested and non-bailable warrants were served against 335 people.
Shukla added, "Excise department teams have seized 6,588 liters of liquor worth more than Rs 15.58 lakh across the state".
However, the additional chief secretary of excise department in a press note claimed that considering the upcoming polls in just 15 days between December 22, 2021 to January 5, 2022, the department conducted raids against sale of illicit liquor and lodge 3,344 FIR under excise act and IPC.
The department seized 1.29 lakh liters of illicit liquor and recovered 2.84 kg of material used in making of such liquor. A total of 1,151 persons involved in manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor were arrested and 29 vehicles were confiscated.
