Hyderabad: Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rajath Kumar today said the Election Commission has prepared fool-proof arrangements for hassle-free Assembly elections in Telangana on December 7.
Speaking at the “Meet-The-Press” program at Sundaraiah Vignan Kendram here today organized by Telangana Union of Working Journalists Federation, Rajath Kumar said Pink colour ballot was in vogue since 1950 elections and it should not be compared with the ruling TRS party. “The people are aware and knowledgeable that they will vote for better future despite political parties luring them with money and gifts. The Election Commission has taken all steps to prevent the illegal flow of money, liquor and material that induce the people”.
Stating that there are complaints by the political parties against each other, the EC has issued notices to 12 leaders of various political parties for making derogatory remarks against the poll code, Rajat Kumar said. As part of search, sleuths have so far seized Rs 85 crore in the State which was less compared to other poll bound States, he added. The EC has focused on complaints of caste and community based meetings by the political parties which have to refrain from using foul language, he said and warned that severe action will be taken against the erring political parties.
“The candidates can approach the courts for justice in 45 days of the poll code if they have to resign by any force”, he said. Stating that there was no political pressure on him or the EC, Rajat Kumar said some 50 per cent of cases were being set aside and 25 per cent cases need action. “We have taken steps to increase poll ratio up to 60 per cent in the city”, he added.
Rajat Kumar admitted that the people are being forced to take money about Rs 500 from the political parties and also due to poverty during the elections which has become a routine phenomenon. We are making arrangements to ensure that the electors can see their vote for seven seconds in VVPATS. He denied that the elections are being influenced by money as there are many rich persons who can spend to induce people as we are aware that leaders such as Lal Bahadur Shastry and Narendra Modi have occupied the top posts of the country.
Referring to the talk of dynastic rule in politics, the CEO said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not a dynast and it is common that the children of political leaders become MLA or MP when the people elect them like children of actors will get into the field. About the elections, Rajat Kumar said transfer of power and conducting elections was a challenging job and historical. Earlier, it was the King, who used to give power and nominate persons for any post. Rajath Kumar opined that the people have to take a call on the defectors.
[source_without_link]NSS[/source_without_link]