EC to set up 18 pink polling stations

The Election Commission will establish 18 ‘pink polling stations’ that will be completely managed by the women staff in the district for the Assembly election.

M. Lokesh, Deputy Commissioner, told presspersons that the all the staff at these stations, including presiding officers and polling officers, will be women. Even female security personnel will be deployed here. The polling stations will be painted in pink hues and the staff will also be attired in pink.

He said the objective behind the establishment of pink polling stations was to motivate women voters to exercise their franchise. Of the 18 stations, four are in Shivamogga limits, three each in Sagar and Bhadravati limits while Tirthahalli, Shivamogga Rural, Shikaripur and Sorab segment will have two each.

Replying to a query, he said to ensure proper enforcement of the model code of conduct, the district administration has maintained vigil on get-togethers organised at hotels and clubs to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. It received complaints that many such programmes were sponsored by candidates who are contesting.

Rakesh Kumar K., nodal officer for enforcement of MCC, said so far, unaccounted cash and kind worth ₹1.39 crore being transported without proper documents was seized at various check-posts. Officials have also booked 13 cases of violations against representatives of political parties so far.