BJP’s ‘Booth Chalo’ Campaign Violates Election Code: Pune Authorities Take Action

Pune, 18th March 2024: In Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding rural areas, private walls have been adorned with slogans and election symbols of the BJP as part of the party’s ‘Booth Chalo’ campaign in anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections. However, this initiative by BJP officials has been found to violate the constraints of the code of conduct. Per the guidelines, political parties, leaders, and their symbols are prohibited from being displayed on government buildings, public spaces, and private properties without explicit permission. Any unauthorised displays will result in disciplinary action.

Aligned with the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has launched the ‘Gaon Chalo’ campaign in rural regions and the ‘Booth Chalo’ campaign in urban areas. As a part of these campaigns, the lotus symbol and election slogans have been painted on walls across public and private premises such as societies and housing complexes. However, with the onset of the election code of conduct, all such BJP-painted walls in various locations within the city and district will now be covered up.

Following the implementation of the election code of conduct, directives have been issued to Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, all Municipal Councils, Chief Officers of Nagar Panchayats, and Gramsevaks in Gram Panchayats to adhere strictly to the regulations. Within the next 24 hours, all displays featuring political parties and leaders on government properties must be removed. Furthermore, advertisements, hoardings, and other public displays must be cleared within the same timeframe. Any unauthorized political imagery in private spaces will be subject to removal within the subsequent 24 hours. Failure to comply will result in removal by the administration, with associated costs recovered from the responsible parties and potential legal consequences. Dr. Suhas Diwase, the Collector and District Election Officer, has urged citizens to report such violations through the C-Vigil app for prompt action.