In Uttarakhand, the State election office has geared up its machinery to conduct free and fair Assembly polls in the state. Chief Election Officer Radha Raturi has directed District Election Officers to complete the preparation of electoral Photo I-card by the end of this month and also ensure its distribution. She has also directed to activate flying squads for strict vigil on acts of irregular means to impress the voters by the political parties and candidates.
Mrs Raturi told AIR that election control room has been established in all 13 districts head quarters where people may register their complaints and suggestions round the clock. Meanwhile state Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri has demanded to review the election programme in the state as severe cold and snowfall may create obstruction in smooth polling and leading to a fall in the polling percentage. The state is going to polls on the 30th of next month for the 70 seats strong State Assembly.
In Punjab, both ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the opposition Congress have hailed the announcement of elections in the state. Expressing pleasure over the holding of elections, SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal said that the SAD-BJP will go to the people on the issue of development.
On the other hand State Congress President Capt. Amrinder Singh said that party will expose the failures of the present government. 27 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state to keep a vigil and ensure fair and peaceful polls.
The forces will keep a check on carrying of cash, liquor and narcotics. Chief Electoral Officer, Kusumjit Sidhu, said in Chandigarh that all, 200 companies of Central forces would be deployed in the state for the elections.
Total 130 observers would also be deployed including general officials as well as police officials from other states. The final voter lists would be published on January 2. Those persons whose names have not been included in the lists may contact their local booth-level officer or the office of the Electoral Registration Officer, under whose jurisdiction their area of residence falls.
Welcoming the decision of the election commission, most of the political parties in Goa have initiated steps to decide their poll alliances and seat sharing. AIR correspondent reports, the parties are expected to announce their partners along with their candidates by next week.
In Manipur, preparations are on for the smooth conduct of the state assembly elections scheduled on the 28th of next month. Joint Chief Electoral Officer of the State Praveen Singh told AIR News that Media Certification and Monitoring Committees have started functioning at state level as well as district level for certification of political advertisements and monitoring paid news in both print and electronic media. He also said the security and manpower requirements for the state assembly elections have also been worked out.
