The State Election Commission (SEC) is pulling out all stops to prevent any breach of the model code of conduct, which will be in force for the Lok Sabha elections from March 10 to April 29.

Senior SEC officials said that 104 flying squads, 78 static surveillance teams, 78 video surveillance teams and 26 video viewing teams have been deployed in the Assembly constituencies in Mumbai and its suburbs.

SEC officials said that training was given this week to about 730 officers and personnel who will be deployed for election duty in the State. Model code of conduct coordinating officer Madhavi Sardeshmukh, and assistant election returning officer Padmakar Rokade said at the training programme that surveillance teams would have to ensure the smooth implementation of the model code of conduct and crack down on the illegal movement of cash and liquor for distribution to voters by candidates.

Ms. Sardeshmukh said, “All political parties and their candidates have to abide by the model code of conduct. The surveillance teams will have to keep a watch on them and take action against them in case they breach the provisions of the model code of conduct.”

Ms. Sardeshmukh said that citizens also would be able to file complaints against political candidates for violating the model code of conduct or election expenditure norms on the toll free number: 1950.

Lok Sabha elections will be held in Maharashtra in four phases: April 11, 18, 23, and 29. In the last phase, 17 seats from north Maharashtra, Konkan and Mumbai will go to the polls. The Income Tax Department has also put in place five flying squads to spot violations of the model code of conduct and monitor entry and exit points into the city. The department’s Investigation Wing will be announcing a detailed plan on Monday to ensure that the elections are held in a fair manner.