AMRITSAR/CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 24: The Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has written to the Election Commission to remind the Shiromani Akali Dal lead by P.S. Badal that the model code of conduct does not allow mixing religion and politics.
The move came after the officer took cognisance of reports of SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar’s role and the diverting of SGPC funds and vehicles to TV channels to cover the SAD-BJP campaign.
Badungar too has constituted a two-member panel to probe the charges. The SGPC chief, who has been shown in media photographs as addressing people and giving political speeches in favour of the ruling SAD-BJP combine, defended himself, saying he is going by his role as SAD (Badal) general secretary.
‘‘The EC has been written to and asked for advice on the status of Badungar. The question of funding to ETC and other TV channels by SGPC, which are carrying messages highlighting the government’s achievements, too has been referred. The EC’s advise has been sought as this not only amounts to mixing religion and politics but constitutes an expense to be covered under the Rs 4.5 lakh-ceiling per candidate,’’ officials said.