Pune: A case has been registered against Kasba Peth MLA and Congress leader Ravindra Dhangekar on charges of distributing Diwali kits bearing his name and photos, said to be in violation of the model code of conduct imposed ahead of the state assembly poll. Refuting the charges, Dhangekar has called it "a political conspiracy by BJP " against him. Local BJP members from Kasba Peth said on Sunday, they spotted a vehicle with Diwali kits bearing Dhangekar's name and photos, after which they complained to the election authorities and the police, alleging a code violation.
Speaking to TOI, BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate said, "It is the responsibility of every party and politician to follow the code of conduct. If it is an elected representative, they should be all the more careful to avoid influencing any voter by distributing material that can be treated as their party's promotion. Our local members found such kits were being distributed in Kasba and so, immediately raised the issue with the authorities.
We hope that the appropriate action is taken based on our complaint." According to the Samarth police, with whom the complaint was registered, the flying squad of the election office checked the vehicle and material inside it, and based on their findings, filed a complaint. Inspector Umesh Gitte of Samarth police station said, "Based on the flying squad officials' complaint, we registered a non-cognisable (NC) offence against Dhangekar for violating the code of conduct.
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