Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, March 29: “As many as 10,29,678 voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming Karnataka state elections in Udupi district,” said Kurma Rao M, deputy commissioner of Udupi district.

Addressing a press briefing on the measures taken for the conduct of free and fair elections in the district, Kurma Rao said “17,927 new and young voters have enrolled themselves. We have also identified 11,751 PWD voters in the district. Voters above the age of 80 years can opt for postal voting if they wish. Election officers have also been appointed for all the five assembly constituencies. Citizens who want to enroll themselves to the voting list can do so even now, EPIC cards will be issued for the new voters."

He said, "Political parties have to take prior permission from the concerned authority before conducting any campaign, rally, and public gathering. Flying squad, static surveillance team, video surveillance team have been formed for monitoring election expenditure."

"Public can also report the violation of any sort of model code of conduct through the control room by dialing 1950 (0820-2574991). Udupi district has 1,111 polling stations and we have checked all these polling booths and essential facilities have been ensured," the deputy commissioner said.

"Model code of conduct (MCC) has been enforced already. Under the MCC, usage of all the sound systems from 10 pm to 6 am will be prohibited. No one can campaign during this silence period. Social media usage will also be monitored strictly. A social media monitoring cell has also been set up. Any content violation will also be monitored. Electronic media advertisements should get pre-certification from the media certification and monitoring committee,” he said.

“Some special booths like all women officers polling booths and youths are being formed which will come under special categories polling stations. Election commission aims to have free and peaceful elections," Kurma Rao said.

Prasanna H, CEO, Udupi Zilla panchayat said, “There are no restrictions for any sort of private functions. People need not take permission to hold weddings but it is better to bring such events to the notice of the concerned officers. Aspirants and candidates can take part in the programme but the venue of the programme should not be used for election campaign purposes. Programmes of religious nature of temples and other places of worship can also be conducted, but prior permission from the election officer is a must. Candidates can visit the program, but the venue and the event should not be used for camps again. If any such violations are found, we will add the expenditure of the programme to the concerned candidate.”

Speaking about the security and checkpostss in the district, Superintendent of Police Hakay Akshay Machindra said, “A total of 17 checkposts both inter district and intra district have been set up. Apart from these, a surprise checkpost will be set up. Till today we have seized around Rs 42 lacs and 4 cases have been booked. More than 5,500 litres of liquor has been seized till now."

Additional DC Veena was also present during the press briefing.