In the last 48 hours leading to May 12, when Karnataka goes to vote, authorities will be maintaining strict vigilance across the city to ensure that laws are followed. Apart from prohibition on the sale of alcohol till midnight on March 12, prohibitory orders will be in place till 6 p.m. on March 13. In accordance with Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a gathering of more than five people at any public space is prohibited.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner and District Election Officer M. Maheshwar Rao said that campaigns through public meetings will come to an end, but there is no restriction on door-to-door campaigning.
May 12 has been declared as a holiday by the government, and all private establishments have been asked to remain closed so that their employees can cast their vote.
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Mr. Rao added that more than 60% of voters’ slips have been distributed to eligible voters. “If voters have not received the slips, they may collect it outside the polling station from the poll staff,” he said.
A total of 100 polling stations have been identified as Pink polling stations, which will be completely managed by women. Wheelchairs, voter guides in Braille and other facilities will be made available to the differently abled. The zonal chief engineers of the BBMP have been instructed to ensure other facilities, such as ramps in all polling stations.
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A total of ₹31.55 crore in 2,073 cases had been seized by poll officials so far. Sewing machines, shawls, saris, pressure cookers, gold and tawas worth ₹19.43 crore and 11,699 litres of liquor worth ₹5.29 crore have also been seized.