Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 22: Ahead of the high-level review of arrangements for by-election to two Lok Sabha seats of Srinagar and Anantnag tomorrow, the Election Commission of India has deputed nine senior IAS/ IPS/ IRS officers to ensure free, fair and smooth polling in both the constituencies on April 9 and 12.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the IAS, IPS and IRS officers, deputed to two Lok Sabha seats, would monitor the situation on all fronts including campaigning, law and order, expenditure by the candidates, election rallies and address complaints made by the contestants or their party leaders. They would also suggest the steps required for ensuring free and fair elections on both the seats.
The IAS, IPS and IRS officers, picked up from various parts of the country on the basis of their experiences, would pick-up Micro Observers for the two constituencies from the list to be provided to them by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, Shantmanu from amongst the officers/officials of the State.
Sources said the IAS/IPS/IRS officers for Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha seat, which goes to polls on April 9, have reached the constituency while those for Anantnag- Pulwama Parliamentary constituency were expected to reach there in a day or two.
Five senior bureaucrats, presently the representatives of the Election Commission of India, who have been deployed in Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha seat included Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Anil Raj Kumar, Rajesh Bahuguna, Anant Takwale and Kumar Animesh.
Sources said the Central officers will maintain liaison with the Chief Electoral Officer and the Returning Officers for the two Parliamentary constituencies and recommend the steps required in their areas for ensuring smooth and good turnout for the voting.
“A good turnout in Srinagar and Anantnag Lok Sabha constituencies has always been a challenge for the Election Commission in view of boycott calls given by the separatists and law and order problem created by the militants,” sources said, adding that in this context the Commission has been taking all possible measures to ensure that maximum voters turnout to cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, CEO Shantmanu today directed all seven Deputy Commissioners in two Lok Sabha seats of Srinagar and Anantnag to remove or cover all hoardings of the Ministers in their districts.
Confirming the direction, Shantmanu said the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to comply with the directive immediately.
“The Deputy Commissioner have been asked to ensure that no hoardings of the Ministers are visible in any area, which goes to polling in the two Lok Sabha constituencies,” the CEO said.
The direction also forms part of the Model Code of Conduct, which was in force in seven districts-three in Srinagar Lok Sabha seat and four in Anantnag Parliamentary constituency.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has called high-level review meeting in New Delhi tomorrow to review arrangements for by-election to two Lok Sabha seats in the Kashmir valley.
CEO Shantmanu will brief the Election Commissioners on the arrangements made for free and fair election on two seats of Kashmir, sources said, adding the Commission was likely to depute one of its representatives to the Valley to monitor the situation ahead of the voting.
Meanwhile, according to sources, initial security arrangements for the two Lok Sabha seats have been made for final touch to the security will be given after the arrival of additional para-military forces from the Centre.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has committed to the State Government that it will provide necessary para-military forces for holding free and fair Lok Sabha by-election in the Kashmir valley in view of militant threats, boycott calls by the separatists and other law and order problems.
Meanwhile, Secretary, Election Commission of India (ECI), Malay Mallick today held video conference with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Shantmanu and Returning Officers (ROs) appointed for Srinagar and Anantnag Parliamentary constituencies.
The aim of the Video Conference was to take stock of the arrangements being made for smooth conduct of bye-polls in both Parliamentary segments and to clear doubts, if any, with regard to nomination process, scrutiny of nomination papers, allotment of symbols, Model Code of Conduct and Expenditure Monitoring etc.
Participating in the video conference, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, who is the Returning Officer for Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, sought clarification with regard to ballot papers and electoral roll.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr Syed Abid Raheed Shah, who has been appointed as Returning Officer for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency also participated in the video conference and sought clarification with regard to certain issues..
Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Raman Kesar and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Krishan Lal also attended the conference.
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