Expressing total satisfaction with the election preparedness of the poll
officials in the state, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) V S Sampath on Monday
warned that the “use of communal statements” during elections will be dealt
with severely.
Replying to questions from reporters after a review meeting of the election preparedness, Sampath said he had received complaints about the use of communal cards during elections in the past in the state and that it was not dealt with in a deterrent manner. “But we will deal with it in a heavy-handed manner,” he said.
As it was the first visit of Election Commission officials with regard to reviewing the poll preparedness, he said the representatives of the major political parties raised concerns about the use of “money power” and “paid news” as also liquor during the polls.
He said he promised the parties that the Commission will do everything at its disposal to check this problems to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. “We have sufficient experience to deal with such issues,” Sampath said.
The CEC said the Commission will ensure that the poll dates don't not coincide with festivals like Diwali and Navratri. The issue had been raised by some of political parties.
Praising state electoral officials, he said Gujarat was among the few states in the country having achieved the target of almost 100 per cent in issuing Electroral Photo Identity Card.
The state, he said, at present was having 3.69 crore voters as per draft electoral roll available.
Replying to questions from reporters after a review meeting of the election preparedness, Sampath said he had received complaints about the use of communal cards during elections in the past in the state and that it was not dealt with in a deterrent manner. “But we will deal with it in a heavy-handed manner,” he said.
As it was the first visit of Election Commission officials with regard to reviewing the poll preparedness, he said the representatives of the major political parties raised concerns about the use of “money power” and “paid news” as also liquor during the polls.
He said he promised the parties that the Commission will do everything at its disposal to check this problems to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. “We have sufficient experience to deal with such issues,” Sampath said.
The CEC said the Commission will ensure that the poll dates don't not coincide with festivals like Diwali and Navratri. The issue had been raised by some of political parties.
Praising state electoral officials, he said Gujarat was among the few states in the country having achieved the target of almost 100 per cent in issuing Electroral Photo Identity Card.
The state, he said, at present was having 3.69 crore voters as per draft electoral roll available.
