District Election Officer M. Pallavi Baldev on Monday said officials deployed on poll duty were acting as per the Election Commission guidelines and action had been initiated on each and every complaint.
As and when the officials came to know of any complaint or received any information, teams were despatched to the scene, she told reporters. Irrespective of the political party or candidate, they not only responded swiftly, but also initiated action.
Asked about a complaint on money distribution in Mela Chockanathapuram by AIADMK functionaries, she said a few videos were posted on social media. “We are pursuing the matter.”
ADVERTISEMENT
So far, officials had booked 52 cases against DMK, 46 against AIADMK and 17 against AMMK for poll-related violations. Through the toll free number, the officials received 4,513 calls since the model code of conduct came into force. Out of this, 3,159 calls pertained to information, 118 were complaints and three suggestions, the Collector said.
As many as 752 polling stations in Theni Lok Sabha constituency would have web cameras installed. This would enable the EC to monitor the polling process and through control room, the progress would be observed.
The district officials had distributed EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) to 98% of newly registered voters. Persons, whose names figured in the voter list, but had not received the EPIC, could come with any of the 11 authorised documents such as passport and driving licence to the polling station and cast their votes, she clarified and urged the voters to exercise their franchise on the polling day.
ADVERTISEMENT
SP V. Baskaran said apart from the six companies of Central force, the district would have five companies of personnel from the Tamil Nadu Special Police, 300 Home Guards, 560 ex-servicemen for poll duty.
The process of testing all EVMs at the respective polling stations would begin at 5.30 a.m. on the date of polling. All arrangements had been made for peaceful and smooth conduct of the election, Ms. Pallavi Baldev said and sought the cooperation of the people, candidates and political parties in achieving 100% polling.