Use of official vehicles in violation of rules; government vehicles and school buses getting used for election works

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Official vehicles are breaking the rules and rushing for election campaigns. Official vehicles are being misused by chairpersons and standing committee chairmen of local bodies. The vehicles are being used after hiding their boards. Violation of rules is rampant in village, block, district panchayats, corporations and municipalities. The abuse is irrespective of political party. These vehicles are running day and night with campaign materials such as notices and posters. Even though there are several squads under various names with cameras and police officers, it has been alleged that they do not check such vehicles. In the past, such vehicles, which had the potential for misuse, were shifted to the Collectorates for election duty in the beginning itself. The fact that it was not effective this time is what helped these people. The rule states that no vehicle owned by government, semi-government, local government or public sector organizations shall be used for election campaign activities.

School buses are also being used

School buses are being used to transport workers to election conventions in various places. Buses of the schools they have influence on are used for this purpose. These include government and private school buses. The school authorities are in a position where they cannot refuse if the politicians demand it.