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Lacklustre campaign comes to an end

Rajesh Nair

Strict enforcement of the model code of conduct

PONDICHERRY: The 2006 Assembly election campaign will go down in history as a low-key but at the same time the most tension-filled one in the Union Territory.

With the Election Commission keeping a close eye on every move of the candidates, most of them resorted to door-to-door campaign. Even if there was any hullabaloo, which is normally associated with election campaign, it was visible only on the last day of campaigning on Saturday.

" Unlike previous elections, it was a lacklustre one," says Lawrence, a resident of Pondicherry. He further added, "Some times I wondered if there is any election. In a way it was good because there was not much noise and disturbance."

The strict enforcement of the model code of conduct was also visible the way special squads went around and confiscated materials allegedly meant to attract voters.

Seizure

They have seized rice bags, cloths and even cash from various constituencies. On Friday night itself as many as 35 saris worth Rs. one lakh were seized from Lingareddy Palayam in Thirukannur. During the same night the Excise Department conducted vehicle checks and seized 4000 bottles of IMFL worth around Rs. one lakh.

Besides, with around 50 cases being registered in various police stations, campaigning was also tense. Cases were filed against candidates for violating the model code and for clashes between supporters.

"A review conducted after the first phase itself showed that the number of cases booked for model code violation and clashes involving supporters of candidates was at an all time high," S. Kumaraswamy, Chief Electoral Officer, told The Hindu .

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