The Baner police in Pune took action late on Friday night, registering a case against the son of a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. The incident has brought the focus back on the strict rules governing election campaigning hours.
The Midnight Campaigning Incident
According to the police, the son of NCP candidate Baburao Chandere, along with 13 other associates, was found visiting multiple residences in the Someshwarwadi area of Pashan well beyond the permissible time for campaigning. The group was reportedly carrying voters' lists and interacting with residents, which is prohibited after 10 PM.
Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant of the Baner police stated that the group's actions were an attempt to unduly influence voters outside the legal campaigning window. The police team initially rushed to the spot based on specific information alleging that the candidate was distributing money. However, upon investigation, no cash was found with the group.
"A police team rushed to the spot after receiving information that the candidate was distributing money. The police, however, did not find any cash with them. They were carrying voters' lists and other campaign material," Inspector Sawant confirmed. The police personnel subsequently pacified local residents and instructed the candidate's son and his team to leave the area immediately.
Political Repercussions and Leadership Response
The case quickly gained political attention. NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the matter during a press conference in Pune on Saturday. He clarified that the case was registered solely because the candidate and his supporters were engaged in campaigning activities after the 10 PM deadline.
"I have instructed all candidates not to indulge in any activity that could be considered a violation of the code of conduct," Pawar asserted. He revealed that he issued these strict instructions to all party candidates after learning about the Baner case, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Election Commission guidelines.
Attempts by the media to contact the candidate at the center of the controversy, Baburao Chandere, were unsuccessful. As of Saturday evening, he had not responded to repeated phone calls or text messages seeking his comment on the police case against his son.
Social Media Amplifies the Scrutiny
The incident did not remain confined to police records. A video purportedly showing the candidate's team conducting the late-night door-to-door visits in Someshwarwadi circulated widely on various social media platforms. This viral video played a significant role in bringing the incident to public notice and increasing scrutiny on the campaign methods being employed.
This case underscores the heightened vigilance by police and election authorities during the poll season. It serves as a reminder to all political parties and their representatives that violations of the model code of conduct, especially those related to campaigning timelines, will be met with strict legal action. The emphasis remains on ensuring a level playing field and preventing any form of undue influence on voters.
