CEC Sunil Arora seeks report on action taken on genuine complaints

JAIPUR: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Saturday sought a report on the actions taken against those complaints which were found to be genuine and registered through C-Vigil during the assembly election in the state.

The categories of complaints include display of firearms/intimidation, distribution of gifts and coupons, liquor distribution, money distribution and paid news.

"We have sought a report on the action taken on the complaints which were found to be genuine in four to five categories. What action has been taken on those complaints… I have sought information on this," said Arora after the review meeting of Lok Sabha election preparedness in the state.

According to the report provided by the officials, during the assembly election, 4,441 complaints were received through C-Vigil. Out of these, 898 complaints were dropped and 3,543 complaints were found to be genuine.

Addressing the state, chief secretary DB Gupta, ACS home Rajeev Swarup and director general of police (DGP) Kapil Garg and the staff of the office of the chief electoral officer, Arora said adequate deployment of security forces must be ensured at the sensitive polling booths.

Election Commission secretary Rahul Sharma was also present at the meeting. CEO Anand Kumar was not present in today's meeting as he was on leave for two days for a personal visit to Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.

On the issue of low turnout of voters in a few districts, Arora said the chief secretary has been directed to coordinate with the Collectors and intensify the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) efforts.

"I expect that the same team which had conducted the assembly elections, would conduct a free, fair and independent Lok Sabha polls as well," said Arora.

Arora also expressed concern over the enlistment of male-female ratio on the electoral roll and said it was less than the 2011 census. "The officials have been instructed to increase the numbers," he said. On transfers, he said the policy of the Commission will be followed. "This is what the CS has said."

CEC also sought details about the law and order situation in the state. He directed that necessary arrangements should be made for the transportation of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to critical booths.

He also directed the DGP to ensure timely registration of non-bailable warrants, seize illegal arms and liquor and ensure physical verification of licensed weapons and depositing them in the police stations.

He also instructed effective action must be taken against possession of illegal weapons, alcohol and vehicles and check-posts be set up on the borders to prevent entry of such items.