During ULB Polls Ministers Cannot Use Official Vehicles for Campaigning, Liquor Distribution Prohibited
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 30, 2026
The State Election Commission, Tripura, has issued a comprehensive Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the General Election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), 2026, laying down strict guidelines for political parties, contesting candidates, Ministers, MLAs, MPs, government officials, public servants and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections across the state.
The Model Code of Conduct, issued by the State Election Commission, will remain applicable today from the announcement of the election until the completion of the electoral process. The guidelines are intended to prevent the misuse of government machinery, public resources and official positions for electoral advantages, besides maintaining communal harmony, public order and a level playing field for all candidates.
The Commission has specifically outlined a series of activities that political parties and candidates must avoid during the election period. At the same time, it has clarified certain exemptions concerning ongoing development works, emergency relief measures, public services and other essential government activities.
WHAT POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES MUST NOT DO
Under the general conduct guidelines, political parties and candidates are prohibited from engaging in activities that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred between communities on the basis of caste, religion, language or other considerations.
Temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship cannot be used as platforms for election propaganda.
Candidates and political parties cannot appeal for votes or ask voters not to vote on the basis of religion, caste or community. They are also prohibited from using religious symbols or religious institutions to solicit votes.
Publishing or circulating false statements, misleading allegations, pamphlets, posters, leaflets or advertisements concerning the personal character or conduct of candidates with the intention of affecting their electoral prospects is prohibited.
Political parties and candidates cannot obstruct or disturb election meetings organised by rival political parties. They are also prohibited from organising demonstrations or picketing outside the residences of political opponents or their supporters.
The Commission has further prohibited the use of intimidation, impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 metres of polling stations and transporting voters to or from polling stations through unauthorised arrangements.
Candidates and political parties cannot use public or private property without permission for election-related activities, including erecting flagstaffs, putting up banners, writing slogans or displaying posters.
The use of loudspeakers is restricted to between 6 AM and 10 PM. Even during the permitted hours, prior permission from the competent authority is mandatory.
Political parties and candidates must also refrain from distributing liquor on polling day and during the 48 hours preceding polling.
RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS
Political parties and candidates organising public meetings must inform the local police authorities in advance about the venue and timing so that necessary arrangements can be made to maintain law and order and regulate traffic.
Permission must be obtained wherever required for meetings, processions, loudspeakers and other public facilities. Organisers must comply with prohibitory orders and restrictions imposed by the competent authorities.
Procession organisers must decide beforehand the route, starting time and place, duration and terminating point in consultation with the police. If two or more political parties propose processions on the same route or at the same time, they must coordinate with the authorities to avoid traffic congestion and confrontations.
No procession should obstruct traffic or create inconvenience for the general public. Organisers are also responsible for ensuring that their supporters do not disturb hospitals, schools, courts or other public institutions.
STRICT RESTRICTIONS DURING THE LAST 48 HOURS
The Commission has specifically emphasised restrictions during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of polling.
Public meetings and processions must come to an end before the commencement of the 48-hour silence period calculated with reference to the scheduled closing time of polling.
The Model Code states that canvassing in or near polling stations and holding public meetings in a ward must end before the prescribed 48-hour period.
No political party or candidate can use loudspeakers without obtaining the necessary permission. The loudspeaker regulations and other statutory restrictions must be strictly followed.
WHAT IS PERMITTED INSIDE POLLING STATIONS?
The Commission has clearly specified who may enter polling stations.
Apart from voters, only authorised persons such as polling officers, candidates, election agents, authorised representatives, persons authorised by the Returning Officer, public servants on election duty and other persons specifically permitted under the applicable election rules may enter polling stations.
The guidelines also provide for the entry of a child accompanying a voter, a person accompanying a blind or infirm voter who cannot move without assistance, and other persons authorised for identification purposes by the Returning Officer or Presiding Officer.
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS MUST REMAIN IMPARTIAL
The State Election Commission has issued specific instructions for government servants.
Every public servant must remain absolutely impartial during the election period and must not participate in or assist any election campaign in favour of or against any political party or candidate.
Government employees cannot participate in election campaigns, subscribe to or assist any candidate in any manner.
No government servant can act as an election agent, polling agent or counting agent of a candidate. Violation of these instructions may invite disciplinary action, including imprisonment or fines as prescribed under the applicable provisions.
Public servants are also prohibited from accompanying Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MDCs or other political representatives during election-related tours in areas where municipal elections are being conducted, except where such tours are undertaken for security purposes.
Attendance of government employees at public meetings organised by political parties or candidates is also prohibited, except where they attend in their official capacity or as required by their duties.
NO MISUSE OF GOVERNMENT MACHINERY OR PUBLIC MONEY
The Model Code specifically prohibits the ruling party, whether at the Centre, in the State or in Urban Local Bodies, from using its official position to gain electoral advantages.
Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MDCs and other elected representatives cannot combine official visits with electioneering activities or use government machinery, vehicles, personnel and other official resources for election campaigns.
Government transport, including aircraft, helicopters, vehicles and machinery, cannot be used to further the electoral interests of the ruling party.
Public grounds, helipads, rest houses, circuit houses, dak bungalows and other government accommodation cannot be monopolised by the ruling party. Such facilities must be made available to other political parties and candidates on equal terms.
Government advertisements promoting the achievements of the ruling party or government at public expense are also prohibited during the election period.
The Commission has further directed that no discretionary grants or payments should be sanctioned by Ministers, Chief Ministers or other elected representatives after the announcement of elections.
No payment should ordinarily be released by the State Government, Central Government or public sector undertakings to individuals or contractors during the election process, subject to the specific provision concerning payments for completed works mentioned in the guidelines.
NEW PROJECTS, FOUNDATION STONES AND RECRUITMENT DECISIONS RESTRICTED
One of the most significant provisions concerns the announcement of new development projects and welfare schemes.
From the announcement of elections, Ministers, Chief Ministers and other authorities cannot:
- Announce financial grants or make promises of financial assistance.
- Lay foundation stones for new projects or schemes, except for the specified civil servants' functions.
- Promise construction of roads, drinking water facilities or other infrastructure projects.
- Make appointments in government departments or public sector undertakings that may influence voters in favour of the ruling party.
- Enter polling stations or polling booths in their official capacity, except as permitted under the guidelines.
The Commission has also prohibited the release of funds for local area development wherever elections are in progress.
WELFARE SCHEMES AND GOVERNMENT PROJECTS: WHAT IS EXEMPTED?
The Model Code of Conduct also makes important distinctions between new announcements and development activities or welfare measures that were already underway before the election announcement.
The following exemptions and permissions are specifically mentioned:
1. Ongoing development works: Work orders issued before the declaration of elections can continue, provided the actual work had already started in the field before the election announcement.
2. Previously started projects: Ongoing programmes or works that had actually commenced before the announcement of elections may continue.
3. Emergency relief measures: There is no bar on approval of schemes undertaken to tackle emergencies or unforeseen calamities, including drought, floods, pestilence and other natural disasters.
4. Welfare measures for vulnerable sections: Relief measures for the aged, infirm and other persons requiring assistance can continue, subject to the applicable guidelines.
5. Completed development works: There is no bar on the release of payments for completed works, provided the concerned officials are fully satisfied with the completion of the work.
6. Previously awarded works: The guidelines distinguish between new work awards and works awarded before the election announcement. No new welfare schemes or works should be made or contracts awarded during the election period without prior permission of the Commission.
7. Essential government services: Routine administrative functions and essential public services are not intended to be brought to a halt merely because elections have been announced, provided they do not violate the Model Code.
However, no new projects, welfare schemes or financial concessions can be introduced in a manner that may influence voters in favour of the ruling party.
ELECTION MANIFESTOS MUST FOLLOW CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES
The State Election Commission has also prescribed guidelines for election manifestos.
Election manifestos must not contain anything contrary to the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution. Political parties must also ensure that promises concerning welfare measures are consistent with constitutional provisions.
The Commission has asked political parties to explain the rationale behind their promises and indicate the financial resources and means through which the proposed welfare measures would be implemented.
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION, CABLE NETWORKS AND RADIO
Political parties and candidates must obtain prior certification from the District Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) or the State Election Commission, as applicable, before broadcasting political advertisements on television channels, cable networks and radio stations.
Advertisements of a religious nature, or those that do not conform to the law of the country and offend morality, decency or public susceptibility, are prohibited.
No political advertisement can be published in newspapers during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of polling.
RESPONSIBILITY OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES
The State Election Commission has urged all political parties, candidates, election agents, government employees and other stakeholders to strictly follow the Model Code of Conduct.
The Commission has reiterated that the objective of the guidelines is to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and transparent election while preventing misuse of public resources, official positions and government machinery.
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