Model Code of Conduct Enforcement in Chennai Marred by Confusion and Inconsistency
Nearly two weeks after the model code of conduct came into force in Chennai, its implementation is characterized by widespread confusion and a lack of uniformity. With no clear, standardized guidelines provided, returning officers across the city are interpreting the rules independently, resulting in overzealous actions in some constituencies and near inaction in others.
Stark Disparities on the Ground
The disparity in enforcement is evident in how identical references to deceased leaders are handled differently. For instance, the term 'Amma' on signboards at Amma Unavagams, particularly in the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni and Egmore constituencies, has been covered or painted over. Officials claim this aligns with the model code of conduct, yet names of other deceased leaders, such as Anna (Annadurai), remain untouched at locations like the Anna Centenary Library and other public places.
Lack of Clear Guidelines
When questioned about specific instructions, a deputy returning officer from one constituency revealed that while they were told not to cover statues of deceased leaders, there were no directions regarding their names on signs or canteens. "We have left out names of deceased leaders on street signs and canteens. The lack of guidelines may have led to other DROs taking matters into their own hands," the DRO stated. However, even the statue rule has not been consistently applied. In Kotturpuram, statues of MGR and Jayalalithaa were covered, but the statue of Karunanidhi at Ashok Pillar was left alone. Additionally, flexes and banners put up by both government and opposition parties were not removed at T Nagar's Bazullah Road.
Official Responses and Clarifications
Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik was unavailable for comment on the matter. S Jacob, the nodal officer for the model code of conduct in Chennai, provided some clarity, stating that as per rules, street signs and boards bearing leaders' names should be left untouched to help people identify locations. "Schemes bearing names of leaders, imprinted on nameboards, would also not be removed or covered. Flexes, banners and posters of existing leaders are banned, and we have removed more than 50,000 such items since the code was enforced. I will instruct returning officers not to cover or mark schemes bearing names of leaders, such as Amma Unavagams," he explained.
This situation highlights the urgent need for standardized protocols to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the model code of conduct across all constituencies in Chennai, preventing arbitrary decisions and maintaining electoral integrity.
