Parties’ complain against 3 DMs in State: Eelection Commission

Zaidi and HS Brahma

--stop using Bharat Nirman volunteers in poll duty, says EC

BHUBANESWAR: Election Commissioner HS Brahma while addressing the reporters here on Wednesday said the political parties of the State have complained against Collectors of three districts for alleged unfair practices.

When reporters asked all the names of the districts, the Commissioner consciously avoided the questions and said that they are verifying the allegation made by the political parties against the Collectors. “The political parties had appealed us to warn the district magistrates to remain unbiased and neutral during the polls. We got the complaint and are verifying the truth in it,” said Brahma.

The Commissioner also told the reporters about three points which was raised by the political parties in a discussion. These were free and fair polls, protection to the candidates and implementation of single window system to give quick disposal of campaign related permission and complaints.        

Brahma clarified that they will implement the single window system in district level very soon to facilitate the candidates contesting the election. He also made it clear that the replies on the complaints lodged by the candidates should be processed within 24 hours.

He further said that they have reviewed the preparedness for the simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly to be held in two phases on April 10 and 17. Political parties’ request for security in the left wing extremists (LWE) areas will be considered, he added.

The Election Commissioner said they have kept strict vigil on election expenditure, liquor distribution, paid news and violation of model code of conduct during the poll process. He also appealed the media to cooperate them in checking unfair practices and violations of poll code.

Another Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said the political parties and candidates had complained about use of Bharat Nirman volunteers in the election work. He clarified that they will not be misused in the work anymore.

Zaidi also told that they were urged by the political parties to extend the time slot for party campaign in the All India Radio and Doordarshan.

He stated that the banners, posters and leaflets put up in the houses by the candidates after taking permission from the owners will not be removed. This year, photo voter slips would be delivered by the district level officers instead of political party agents, he added.

Zaidi said that neutrality will be maintained. If any officer violates poll code, the commission will take action against him, he added.

“We will keep eye on media along with social media. Any malicious content related to election in the social media will be removed,” Zaidi said, adding, “We have deployed surveillance teams, flying squads, excise teams, election observers and other vigilant teams to keep strict vigil on illegal liquor, money and gift distributions during the polls.”

Among others, Deputy Election Commission Alok Shukla and two Director Generals of the Election Commission of India (ECI) BK Das and Akshaya Rout also spoke to the reporters about measures to conduct free and fair elections, provision of minimum facilities at polling stations, communication plan and functioning of complaint redressal mechanism.