In a concerning violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), authorities have sought explation from contesting candidate for Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, Mehbooba Mufti a former Chief Minister of J&K, after shed used a minor child for campaigning purposes in Rajouri district.
The District Nodal Officer overseeing enforcement of the MCC has sought an explanation within 24 hours from Mehbooba Mufti. An explanation has also been sought from Anjum Mirza, who is the PDP’s incharge for the Thanamandi/Budhal/Rajouri constituency. According to the Nodal Officer’s findings, the minor child was used on May 1st to appeal to voters to support the PDP party during campaigning efforts in the Shahdara Sharief area of Rajouri district. The involvement of children in election campaigning is a serious breach of the MCC guidelines, which are meant to ensure free and fair polls. Parties and candidates are prohibited from using minors for campaigning in any manner.
If the PDP leaders fail to provide a satisfactory explanation for this lapse, they could potentially face strict action from the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct. This incident has sparked concerns over the enforcement of electoral rules and the ethics surrounding campaigning activities. All political parties are expected to strictly adhere to the MCC norms. Further details are awaited as authorities examine this matter closely. The use of children in campaigns is widely condemned as an unethical practice that must have no place in the democratic process.
