Implement the model code of conduct strictly, ordered Vellore District Collector S.A. Raman, while chairing a meeting with the officials of flying squads, static surveillance teams and nodal officers at the Collectorate on Monday.
Mr. Raman gave suggestions to the officials concerned, for conducting the elections in a peaceful atmosphere and perfect implementation of the model code of conduct in the district. The Collector asked officials to study the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India and think what kind of actions could be taken against persons found violating them without creating any inconvenience to the public.
He said that political parties must adhere to the model code of conduct as part of the elections to be held on April 18. Rules pertaining to erection of digital banners and election campaigning must be followed without fail.
Tough action
Mr. Raman instructed the ruling party members to handover government vehicles allotted to them and that they should avoid using them during the election campaign. In Tiruvannamalai, Collector K.S. Kandasamy conducted a similar meeting on Monday to convey the message of enforcing discipline during election campaigns.
Mr. Kandasamy told reporters that 11,500 personnel would be deployed for election duty, 3,167 Electronic Voting Machines, 5,817 control units and 3,211 VVPAT machines were to be used during this elections in two Parliamentary constituencies in the district.
‘Sensitive’ polling booths
As many as 240 polling booths have been identified as ‘sensitive’ so far and 24 flying squads have been formed to prevent any election related crimes and 24 static surveillance teams would also be stationed for this purpose. To monitor the election campaigns video surveillance teams have been formed, Mr. Kandasamy said.
He asked the party men to remove banners and hoardings on their own. He also told them to vacate government offices and handover State vehicles within 48 hours. Otherwise election officers would take appropriate action against and the expenditure would be added to the party candidate’s election expenses, he added.