Election Commission has zero-tolerance to money and muscle energy: CEC Arora

With political events apprehending violence and unrest in poll-bound West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday mentioned the fee has zero-tolerance to money and muscle energy and misuse of the federal government equipment.

The CEC additionally mentioned no civic police volunteers might be deployed for the upcoming Assembly elections within the state.

“The commission has zero-tolerance to money and muscle power or misuse of government machinery,” the CEC instructed reporters right here.

He mentioned the EC’s expenditure observer will take steps to stop misuse of money energy.

The full bench of the ECI, which is at present within the state to evaluate preparedness for the Assembly polls due in April-May, held conferences with representatives of political events, senior authorities officers and cops.

Asked about incidents of violence forward of the Assembly elections within the state, Mr. Arora mentioned, “We would like to review events of serious crimes which have political overtones and examine them on a case-to-case basis.” To a associated query concerning the EC taking motion in opposition to these concerned in incidents of hurling stones at political conferences and processions, the CEC mentioned, “The commission can act only after the election dates are announced. We will take a series of measures and not allow bike rallies after the model code of conduct comes into force.” Claiming that West Bengal is witnessing political violence within the run-up to the elections, opposition events have urged the total bench of the ECI to be certain that free and truthful polls are held within the state.

The ruling Trinamool Congress alleged that the BSF is threatening individuals within the border areas of the state to forged their votes in favour of a specific political occasion.

The Border Security Force, nonetheless, denied the TMC’s allegation, saying that it was “baseless” and “far from the truth”.

Describing the allegation in opposition to the BSF as “unfortunate”, Mr. Arora mentioned it is likely one of the best forces within the nation.

He mentioned the political occasion involved ought to provide you with info to assist its allegation.

Several events voiced issues over regulation and order scenario within the state, whereas points like faux information on social media and provocative slogans with communal overtone have additionally been flagged by them, the CEC mentioned.

Asked about allegations that a lot of electors weren’t allowed to forged votes within the 2018 Panchayat polls, Mr. Arora mentioned the State Election Commission conducts the polls to the native our bodies.

“The ECI will ensure that there is no irregularity and every voter is allowed to cast vote in a free and fair manner in the Assembly polls. We know how to get it done,” he mentioned.

Mr. Arora mentioned the total bench of the ECI requested the state’s chief secretary and dwelling secretary to look into the problems of pretend info within the social media raised by political events.

According to the CEC, the chief secretary and the house secretary of the state mentioned that they’re following the EC’s pointers in letter and spirit.

He mentioned there might be 1,01,790 polling stations for the 2021 Assembly elections within the state and each sales space ought to be made accessible to all individuals with disabilities.