Ludhiana: The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Punjab Election Watch have called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to intervene in the Ludhiana West by-election, alleging widespread breaches of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and demanding the removal of the District Election Officer (DEO) for neglecting official duties.

In a formal complaint submitted on June 19 to the ECI and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab, the watchdog groups presented GPS-tagged photographic evidence of illegal hoardings and campaign materials that, they say, violate ECI guidelines. The organisations argue that these unauthorised and environmentally harmful displays are likely pushing candidate spending beyond the legal ₹40 lakh limit.

"Failure by the DEO to act on visible violations betrays voter trust and breaches ECI directives," said Jaskirat Singh, Trustee of ADR. "Repeated inaction gives certain candidates an unfair advantage and sets a dangerous precedent." Parvinder Singh Kittna, Coordinator of Punjab Election Watch, added, "We are witnessing unchecked use of plastic flex boards, misuse of government machinery, and zero transparency in shadow registers. We demand accountability — now, not after the polls."