The Religious Places (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1988 prohibits political activity in places of religious worship.
Mitesh Patel, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Anand, and Chirag Patel, the party’s candidate for the Khambat assembly by-election, have broken the model code of conduct by holding a joint public meeting “on the premises of a temple”. He received a campaign notice from the Election Commission on suspicion of violating the law. .
Returning Officers of Anand and Election Officers of Khambat on Thursday for Mitesh and Chirag respectively, Lalej, Metpur, Shakarpur, Jharun, Under and on April 20 and 21, Ranpur and Kodwa of Khambat.
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The Religious Places (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1988 prohibits political activity in places of religious worship.
The notice states: “Despite written notice of the rules to all political parties, you have used the premises of a religious place or institution in the village to carry out a political campaign. Please note that the same must be submitted to our office within two days. Any violation of this will result in appropriate action being initiated in view of the violation of the Model Code of Conduct.”
Officials said the rally notice was issued on the basis of a complaint from a “vigilant citizen” who submitted campaign photographs of two BJP candidates.
Anand district BJP president Rajesh Patel said the candidates would respond to the notification in their personal capacity. “Candidates have to reply to the notification and they have to do so within the stipulated time…Almost all election campaigns in villages are ultimately held near the temple, which is a common gathering place Even parliamentary candidates are holding public meetings near the temple… Candidates plan to explain their positions to election officials.
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Date first uploaded: April 27, 2024, 01:18 IST
