58 teams to implement model code of conduct: Collector Vadarevu Vinay Chand

Ongole: Prakasam District Collector Vadarevu Vinay Chand announced that the model code of conduct is effective in the district from Sunday evening. Speaking to media along with the SP Dr Koya Praveen at the Collectorate, the Collector said that free and fair election was their aim.

Vinay Chand announced that they have deputed 58 teams to implement the model code of conduct in the district. He said that these teams would initiate action against the persons for resorting to corrupt practices and electoral offences as per the Representation of People's Act and IPC.

He said that they were keeping strict vigil and upgrading surveillance in the district and would bind over fugitive criminals, history-sheeters and people with a history of electoral offences wherever necessary. He announced that stringent action would be taken on illicit liquor makers and suppliers and also users of unlicensed weapons. He said they have appointed 57 flying squads, 80 static surveillance teams, 28 assistant expenditure observers to inspect and monitor the financial activities of parties and candidates.

The collector said that there were 3,269 polling booths in the district and added that they were arranging 77 new booths, changing 8 booths to other locations and changing the nomenclature of 12 booths. He said that they have received 1,69,155 Form-6 applications and approved 1,15,112 of them since January 11.

He said that they have received 49,098 Form-7 applications, but accepted only 8,629 of them. He said that they rejected 37,428 applications as the people alleged to be the applicants claimed innocence and booked 36 cases. He announced that the district has 25,70,419 voters including male, female and third gender voters.

Vinay Chand announced that they are also concentrating on social media posts and would use special software provided by the Election Commission to monitor it. He said that the existing government schemes like Anna Canteen would continue but they would cover the photographs and statues of the leaders in the district, during the implementation of model code of conduct.