UP records 49.3% polling in by-elections; exit polls predict BJP to win maximum seats
Minor reports of violence were received from Meerapur, Sismau, and Kundarki assembly segments, but by and large, the voting was peaceful, EC officials claimed.
State bureaucrats, starting from district magistrates, superintendents of police and senior IAS and IPS officers, who are involved in the poll process, will have to maintain absolute impartiality, transparency and accessibility for all political parties ensuring, said the chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar at a press meet on Tuesday.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will take strong action if any ‘partisan attitude’ among the bureaucracy is found during the poll process, warned Mr Kumar.
The full-bench of the ECI headed by Mr Kumar reached the state on Sunday evening.
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While speaking to reporters today, Mr Kumar said, “We have heard about the partisan attitude of the state bureaucracy, especially within the lower ranks. We have instructed the district administration to maintain and establish a level playing field. If they do not, we will make them do it. Even then, if they won’t comply we will take strict action.”
“We have met all political parties, state and central enforcement agencies during these days. The state nodal officer, ECI nodal officer and state chief electoral officer will decide where and how much central force should be deployed in West Bengal. Similarly, the district administration like DMs and SPs will be responsible for deploying central forces,’’ he added.
The poll panel also stressed that observers- details of whom will be made public to ensure transparency – must actively visit polling booths , interact with poling agents and promptly address any irregularities.
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