Taking into account the Model Code of Conduct, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rai Mahimapat Ray has directed all the political parties to remove their advertisement posters, hoardings and banners within 48 hours.
Ray, during the ‘Media Samvad’ here on Saturday, said that a notice has been sent to all political parties to ensure removal of party hoardings. Notably, State Election Commission (SEC) has imposed Model Code of Conduct in the State after having announced the municipal elections date on March 12.
“A Special drive will be conducted from March 19 to remove all political banners, in case of sheer negligence of our order by the parties contesting election. Political parties have to bear all expenses for this,” said Ray.
Sharing further details of the upcoming municipal poll preparations, the DC further added that a control room will be established to register and address grievances. Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and ADM (Law and Order) will be the nodal officers to ensure proper adherence of all rules as defined with SEC including Department of Urban Development, Housing and Planning. For registering complaints, an individual can dial on the helpline number 0651-2212842.
According to the DC, attempts are being made to create awareness among the public to caste their valuable votes and elect a suitable candidate for governing Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through social media, awareness programmes, LED vans, different media (print, electronic, digital).
Ray clarified that no further alternation will be done in the voter lists as in accordance to Election Commission of India (ECI) ASD (Absentees, Shifted, Deceased) rules, a fresh lists have been prepared.
In Ranchi, 798 polling booths, including 10 supporting polling booths have been demarcated. From district headquarter alone over 8 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes. Arrangements of 400 school buses have been done which will be parked at Morhabadi Ground from April 13 onwards. Around 100 small vehicles will be also used during this election. 15 strong rooms, including 15 counting rooms, five each for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and ward councilors will be made at Pandra Bazaar. Counting of votes will be done at Pandra Bazaar while the dispatch activities will take place at Morhabadi.
SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi, also present on the occasion, said that to ensure free and fair election, various teams of police personnel are conducting recee of vulnerable spots and polling booths. “Sensitivity mapping of vulnerable sites and polling booths is going on. According the norms, necessary measures will be adopted at the sensitive booths,” Dwivedi added.