Even though the Election Commission has expressed satisfaction over the overall poll preparedness in the Union Territory of Puducherry, it has directed the authorities to step up preventive action against anti-social elements and surveillance so that distribution of money and liquor is fully curbed.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi, along with Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat and other poll officials held meetings with officials including Chief Secretary Manoj Parida, Chief Electoral Officer V.Candavelou, Inspector-General of Police Praveer Ranjan.
They also elicited views of representatives of political parties in Puducherry.
Addressing press conference here, Mr. Zaidi said the Commission has directed all authorities to take more effective action against the anti-social elements and hooligans. “There is need for preventive action to ensure that the campaigning is peaceful and there is a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates.
“We have directed that the model code of conduct has to be enforced strictly and uniformly. It will be personal responsibility of District Magistrates and SPs to ensure that no voter is intimidated and no person is allowed to interfere with election process. The Commission will monitor the process on a real time basis,” said Mr.Zaidi.
The operations to effect seizure of unaccounted money needs to be stepped up further in coming days, he added.
Stating that there should be comprehensive security plan particularly at booth level, the CEC added that this time the presence of central paramilitary force would be more than last time and all vulnerable police stations would be covered by them.
He said after the recent additions and deletions, as of date 9,35,575 voters were on the electoral rolls.