Daijiworld Media Network - Mandya

Mandya, Mar 12: With the Election Commission (EC) sounding the poll bugle, the model code of conduct has come into force across the country. The state election officials are taking it extremely seriously, sparing not even astrologers.

With measures like keeping a vigilant eye on social media, the Election Commission has gone an extra mile in ensuring that no political party takes any undue advantage in any manner. The EC is also monitoring the use of party symbols of all political parties.

The EC's zest in ensuring free and fair elections has taken a toll on astrolgers here.

Though astrologers are in popular demand among politicians before elections, astrologers at Ashoknagar locality here, who had advertised their businesses using the image of a palm, had to face action by the EC officials who went around covering their advertising boards with newspapers. The reason is obvious - the palm or the 'hand' is the symbol of a political party.

The election officials are also keeping a strict eye on programmes in places of worship like temples, to ensure that political parties do not misuse party symbol, candidate's caste or religion or party flag to campaign.

The all-important Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases across the country from April 11 and results will be declared on May 23. In Karnataka, the polling will be held in two phases on April 18 and 23.