From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 10: A high-level team of Election Commission of India concluded its two-day review of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly poll preparedness in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The ECI team headed by Umesh Sinha, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, held consultations with representatives of various political parties and election commission officials in the State for conducting free and fair elections.
The team assessed the revision of electoral rolls, law and order situation, information technology, availability of manpower, polling booths and other facilities to ensure free and fair polling.
In addition, the team also took stock of schedule of various examinations for SSLC, PUC and Colleges, major fairs and festivals in the State.
Election schedule may be announced by March-end
The persons who attended the meeting indicated that the possible election dates could be between last week of April and the first week of May as the Common Entrance Test for admission to engineering courses will be over on April 19.
"In all possibility, the election schedule will be announced after second week of March," an official said.
The team met a cross section of leaders of political parties to assess the poll preparedness and gathered their inputs.
It also met Karnataka Chief Secretary K Rathna Prabha and DG-IGP Neelamani N Raju.
Drive to curb cash, liquor and inducements
ECI officials are tightening the vigil to curb the influence of cash, liquor and other inducements ahead of the assembly election in the state.
Simultaneously, Income Tax (IT) and Excise Departments have already been sounded out in this regard.
Briefing the media after meetings, Sinha warned of stringent action against those who indulge in offering inducements to lure the voters.
He said adequate Central forces would be requisitioned to ensure fair polls in the State.
The poll expenditure per constituency in the state has been fixed at Rs 28 lakh for each candidate.
Meanwhile, District Electoral Officers and Superintendents of Office have been instructed to set up surveillance squads to keep a watch on any poll irregularities and expenditure being incurred by candidates for campaigning, he said.
The Commission would set up a committee in each district to monitor even the media as part of its exercise to act against paid news, Sinha said.
He also met representatives from political parties and told them to take a pledge of not using of money and muscle power.
Sinha appealed to voters to take a pledge not to receive money or any inducements from candidates.
The election dates would be announced after Chief Election Commissioner A.K Jyoti and other two commissioners visit the State.
Last date for voter enrolment may be extended
The Election Commission of India is likely to extend the date for enrolling the names of eligible voters in the electoral roll in Karnataka.
Currently, the last date for enrolment of names in the electoral roll is January 12.
Sinha said officials in various districts have demanded extension of the last date for enrolment of names in the voters list.
"We will see and if possible extend the last date for enrolment of names in the voters list," he said.
Voter-friendly polling booths
Polling booths would be made voter friendly by providing facilities such as drinking water, roads, electricity. Wheelchairs would be provided for enabling physically challenged persons to cast their votes.
"No voters to be left behind," he said.
Sandeep Saxena, Deputy Election Commissioner, said a single window would be opened to provide permission to rallies and functions on first come first service terms.
For those who wish to know the Assembly constituency, polling station address and other details, voters can send SMS to 9731979899 by writing ‘KAEPIC space ID card Number.’