The Times of India       03.11.2014 

Civic poll dates announced, model code comes into force

BHOPAL: Model code of conduct came into force on Sunday with announcement of civic poll dates for 280 civic bodies of state, including 11 municipal corporations. Polls will be held in two phases, said state election commissioner R Parsuram, while announcing dates.

Civic polls will be held on November 28 in Indore, Gwalior, Rewa, Satna, Singrauli, Sagar, Dewas, Burhanpur, Ratlam and Khandwa. In Katni, polls would be held on December 2.

Civic polls in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Chhindwara and Morena are also likely to be held in December. Polls in Bhopal were deferred after high court on October 31 quashed state government's notification of September 6 for including Kolar Municipality and 20 villages within Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits.

Again, on October 28, high court quashed government's notification for inclusion of 55 villages within Jabalpur Municipal Corporation limits. On the same day, court also quashed state government's notification for including several villages to Chhindwara Municipal Corporation.

The process for filing nominations in 280 civic bodies whose dates were announced on Sunday will begin on November 5. And November 12 will be the last date for receiving nominations, state election commissioner said.

Counting for first phase will be held on December 4 and December 6 for second phase. "It's first time, NOTA or none of the above button and EVMs will also be used in these polls," said Parsuram. Adequate security arrangements have been made by state election commission to ensure polls are held peacefully. "At least 1100 hamlets have been identified as vulnerable," said Parsuram.

Commission also set expenditure limits for candidates in corporations which have population above 10 lakh. Here, expenditure has been capped at Rs 35 lakh per candidate. Corporations where population is below 10 lakh, expenditure has been capped at Rs 16 lakh.