Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN) 

Mangalore, Apr 28: “As the election date approaches in the district, election officers are set to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of polls. We are ready to hold peaceful elections and all arrangements will be made for voters to cast their franchise without any hurdles”, said V Ponnuraj, district election officer and deputy commissioner (DC).  

Speaking at a press meet in the city, he said, “Campaigning will end on Tuesday April 28 after which the candidates can seek votes door-to-door accompanied by only four members. Polling stations in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency will be provided micro-observer staff and polling staff to conduct elections as well as adequate police security.” 

“Naxal-affected areas in Belthangady taluk will be provided more police personnel including central police and members of the anti-naxal force. Video surveillance will be in place at vulnerable and critical poling booths”, said Ponnuraj.  

He also said that a communication centre will be set up at the DC’s office to keep in touch with the polling stations and staff. 

Ponnuraj added that this centre would help the staff communicate problems in various ways including via SMS.   

He assured that the polling staff were trained adequately and bank personnel who had refused to undertake poll duty had been booked at Pandeswer police station under the   Representation of People’s Act.  

“Conducting of ‘pooja’ at polling booths and other such activities will be treated as a violation of the code of conduct. Campaigning and political activities will be banned upto 100 mts from the booth. From Tuesday, there will be a ban on liquor supply till the election ends”, informed Ponnuraj

Superintendent of police Dr Subrahmanyeswara Rao said, “The police force has been readied to maintain law and order on polling day and each polling station will have a sufficient police presence. Four companies of the central police have arrived in the district of which two companies will be deployed in naxal-affected areas in Beltangady taluk.”