In the wake of rampant money being changing hands from political parties to voters in the run up to the general elections, Election Commission of India is now decided to initiate stringent action against those involved. The EC has begun collecting information from about 15 bankers both nationalised and private, and check illegal flow of the money to voters. Cases will be filed against political parties and voters if involved in illegal transactions of money, Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal stated.
Talking to media here, he said that full team of Election Commission will hold a review meeting with all political parties in morning and then with officials on general elections and its preparedness at Jubilee Hall on April 19. As many as 621 nominations filed for 25 MP seats in Andhra Pradesh going for polls on May 7, while 266 for 17 MP seats and 1,699 candidates for 119 MLA seats are in fray. For second phase of elections, nominations will be accepted till 19 and withdrawals will be on 23.
Campaign in social media is allowed. However the political leaders have to show their expenditure, Bhanwar Lal stated. He said that he has written to EC on complaints against TRS Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao’s provocative speeches, Election Manifestos of TDP, YCP and Lok Satta luring people with big assurances and verify “Legend” Cinema of Balakrishna, if it has any impact on voters. He expressed serious concern over the illegal flow of money which rose to Rs 103 crore, the biggest amount ever confiscated at national level besides 70 kg gold, 300 kg silver and 3 lakh liters of illicit liquor so far. He admitted that money seized by police is being returned by Income Tax department after imposing penalty and tax clarifications when satisfied documents are produced.
‘We are inquiring into complaints received on more ATM and monetary transactions in Medak district. Officials were asked to file an FIR on a BJP leader Narendranath for violating code through distribution of gifts to voters. Besides looking into complaints on illegal distribution of white goods like kitchenware and others in East Godavari and other districts. A server at EC office will receive complaints and immediately press local squads into action and arrest if anyone found guilty. This is possible when people send SMS complaints and problems through 1950 or 8790 499 899 SMS by writing a three digit number (Segment Code) on EPIC, complaint, name and others. Youth and students should cooperate to check the menace’, he said adding that the election commission is serious on the issues. (NSS)
