Candidates or their supporters who distribute money or gifts to influence voters before the model code of conduct comes into force would be kept under a close watch, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Wednesday.
"Individuals or organisations who are distributing money or gifts should be kept under watch so that when elections are announced and the Election Commission's mandate starts, we will probably take all those things into account, and take appropriate action," Mr. Zaidi said.
“This issue of abuse of money has been raised before us by political parties. Actually they requested us that Income Tax Department as part of their normal functioning also should look into this aspect," Mr. Zaidi told a press conference after reviewing the poll preparedness in Puducherry.
The full Commission led by the CEC, and comprising Election Commissioners A.K.Joti and O.P. Rawat, held detailed discussions with representatives of recognised political parties, and review meetings with Chief Secretary Manoj Parida, Chief Electoral Officer V.Candavelou, Inspector General of Police Praveer Ranjan, officials from Income Tax Department and other enforcing agencies.
“By and large,the commission is satisfied with the preparation that have been made by election machinery here with regard to various aspects of election management” Mr. Zaidi said.
