Enforce poll code strictly: CS

In response to the release of the election schedule, Dr KS Jawahar Reddy, the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, has issued clear directives to all district collectors acting as election officers to strictly enforce the Election Code of Conduct in preparation for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state.
Following the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Secretary Reddy convened a video conference on Saturday with all district collectors, SPs, and Police Commissioners from his office in Vijayawada.
During the conference, Chief Secretary Reddy emphasized the urgent need to remove posters, hoardings, banners, flexes, and other promotional materials from government properties, including open spaces, buses, electrical poles, railway stations, roads, and bridges, within a 24-hour timeframe. He explicitly stated that no political advertisements should be visible in public spaces.
Furthermore, Chief Secretary Reddy instructed the immediate cessation of all print and electronic media advertisements, as well as the removal of photographs of ministers and public representatives from government websites, along with any political party-related images.
In addition to these measures, Chief Secretary Reddy directed ministers to refrain from using government vehicles for election campaigning and advised against the utilization of government guest houses for such purposes. Additionally, he emphasized the prohibition of displaying photographs of MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives on government developmental and welfare schemes.
Chief Secretary Reddy made it clear that photographs of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Ministers should be removed from government offices following the release of the election schedule. He also instructed against conducting video conferences between ministers and officials during this period.
Similarly, Chief Secretary Reddy issued a stern directive to all government officials, emphasizing that they must not leave their headquarters without prior permission. He also reiterated that officers and staff assigned to election duties should not be transferred.
Chief Secretary Reddy warned of strict consequences for any officials found participating in political party meetings, showing favouritism towards any party, or accepting gifts from them.
Additionally, he ordered the suspension of all ongoing works, including schemes, projects, laying of foundation stones, and inaugurations. However, he clarified that there would be no restriction on the release of funds for completed projects.