“Election Commission Issues Notice Over Roadside Iftar Party in Karnataka’s Mangalore”

The Election Commission has issued a notice to the organizers of an iftar party held on a busy road in Mangalore, Karnataka, on Friday. Iftar, a meal observed daily during Ramadan after sunset, marks the breaking of the fast for Muslims.

The notice from the poll body followed the circulation of several viral videos on social media depicting the setup of chairs and food plates along one side of the road at Mudipu Junction, a bustling area in the city.

Following the viral videos, questions arose on social media regarding why the iftar party was conducted on a public road instead of indoors or in a public hall. The event, attended by rickshaw drivers, traders, and local residents, prompted the Election Commission to take action.

The notice was directed to the party’s organizer, identified as Abu Bakar, citing the obstruction of the road and causing a public nuisance. This action was taken under the purview of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which is currently in effect in Karnataka following the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls schedule. Under the MCC, the administration is directly overseen by the Election Commission.