‘Namo Foods’ packets at Noida poll booth, voters question legality

Mangalore Today News Network

Noida, April 11: After reports of ’Namo Foods’ packets being distributed at a poll booth emerged in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Election Office (CEO) L Venkateshwarlu has reportedly taken cognisance of the matter.

According a tweet by a News18 anchor, the CEO has sought a report from the Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate in the matter.

As voting is underway across polling booths in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency, policemen stationed outside polling booths in Noida were reportedly distributed food packets bearing logos that read "Namo Foods" on Thursday, 11 April.

According to one tweet, people who had queued up to vote raised questions over the legality of these food packets, asking if they violate poll code.

Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, BR Tiwari, Additional Chief Election Officer, said that the matter had been “highlighted in a different light by the media.”

“We came to know about this from media reports. There is a very old shop, more than 10 years old, which has this brand name. It has been highlighted in a different manner in media,” he said.

The food packets were reportedly distributed outside the Noida Sector 15 club premises.

Union Minister Mahesh Sharma is contesting from this constituency. Gautam Buddh Nagar recorded 12% voter turnout till 9 am, according to the Election Commission.