Srinagar: The Election Commission today took serious note of violation of its guidelines on photography and video coverage by the media inside polling stations during yesterday s first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir.

The commission made its displeasure known to B R Sharma, the chief electoral officer of the state, after several local dailies in Kashmir carried photographs taken inside polling booths, official sources said.

In some photographs, it was clear as to which candidate the voter was casting his/her vote, while a local cable channel last night aired footage taken inside a polling station in Bandipora district.

The Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the state govenrment had also issued a full-page advertisement in an Urdu daily, in which some voters were seen casting votes.

As per the commission guidelines, photography and videography are not permitted inside polling stations.

The chief electoral officer said he has directed the district electoral officers not to allow any such activity inside polling stations during the rest of the remaining six phases of elections.

"I have also sought an explanation from the secretary of information about the advertisement issued by the department in todays paper," Sharma said.
Source : PTI