Bhopal: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) OP Rawat has expressed his concern over huge cash flow and seizure before polls. Rawat and election commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sunil Arora were on a two day tour of MP to review poll preparedness. “Huge cash haul along with other material to induce voters is a matter of concern. We should reflect as to where our democracy is heading to ,” said OP Rawat, talking to media persons in Bhopal Wednesday.
cash, liquor and other material worth Rs 51.29 crore has been seized since announcement of polls in the state. Rawat said that Rs 21.63 crore of illegal cash has been seized till day and there is more than a fortnight to go for polling. Gold and silver worth Rs 7.44 crore, liquor worth Rs 10.04 crore, drugs worth Rs 5.61 crore and other materials to influence voters have been seized by various enforcement agencies.
He reviewed the poll preparations of 33 districts of Gwalior-Chambal, Bhopal, Sagar, Jabalpur, Rewa and Shahdol divisions.He expressed satisfaction over poll preparations by the officials of MP. EC has instructed the officials to strictly implement the model code of conduct and not to come under pressure of any party or person. CEC was informed that all polling booths in state have ramp facility, potable water and electricity whereas availability of toilets was present only at 95.57% booths. Remaining booths would be provided with temporary toilets on the day of polling.
Full bench of election commission also met representatives of different political parties and received suggestions and heard to their concerns. Some political parties raised concern over voter list while others urged the EC to distribute voters slip at least five days before the polling date. One of the political parties also demanded not to deploy aganwadi and asha workers in election duty as they could influence elections.
A party lodged complaint against staff of the jan abhiyan parishad and cooperative societies as well. A demand received by the CEC cutting across party lines was transfer of PSOs (personal security officer) of political leaders and contestants during election time. Staff members of ministers and members of social and religious organisations should also be kept away from election work, demanded political parties.
Cvigil app underutilised in mp
cec expressed displeasure over underutilisation of cVigil mobile application. “Other states have been performing well in use of cVigil app but in MP this mobile app has remained underutilised may be because of less publicity or awareness drive,” said rawat. The voters of other states had helped election commission a lot by using this app and informing the commission about violations of poll code and distribution of freebies amongst voters. “If one is afraid of complaining against a very influential person then one can conceal his identity,” said rawat.