The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : I cannot betray poll panel, says Naresh Gupta

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Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

I cannot betray poll panel, says Naresh Gupta

Special Correspondent

“Lot of wrong things have happened in the last couple of days”

— Photo: G. Moorthy

REVIEW: Chief Electoral Officer, Naresh Gupta discussing poll arrangements with Madurai Collector, P. Seetharaman, and police officials in Madurai on Tuesday.

MADURAI: “I cannot betray the Election Commission of India and if it finds so, the commission can ask for my replacement,” said Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta here on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after presiding over a review meeting of the poll arrangements in Thirumangalam, Mr. Naresh Gupta said there had been a lot of violations reported in the constituency. “It is a matter of distress. Lot of wrong things have happened in the last couple of days. It is very unfortunate. I am answerable to the Election Commission and would soon submit a report in this regard.”

The EC had set a model code of conduct and all contesting candidates had to follow them.

However, the parties moved in big convoys. Food and money were distributed to the electorate. Following complaints, the observer had instructed to seal some places, including a few kalyana mandapams, he replied.

The Deputy Election Commissioner of India would visit the constituency on January 2, Mr Gupta said and it would be apt for the EC to comment on issues such as deployment of paramilitary forces.

Another observer was expected to arrive in a day or two, he replied to a query.

The district officials, including the police, had been instructed to act impartially and should not give room for any suspicion in discharging their duties, Mr Gupta said and added that micro-observers, a new concept, would be introduced in the constituency, where they would report directly to the election observer.

He said only after the District Collector issued a stern warning, parties had started seeking vehicle passes.

Similarly, despite clear norms that defacement of walls, cut-outs and banners would invite action, parties had ignored them.

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