Vijayawada: Clear orders issued for fair polls says State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar

Vijayawada: State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar said clear directives were given to the officials concerned for the peaceful and smooth conduct of local body elections in the state. He said senior officers had already been appointed for monitoring the elections and they started functioning.

Addressing a media conference here on Wednesday, Ramesh Kumar said the appointed officers were co-ordinating with the district collectors and SP to ensure smooth polls. He said instructions were given not to implement the new government schemes that affect the voters in the elections. Chief Minister can conduct review meetings on the progress of works and welfare schemes as it was the responsibility of the government, he added.

Referring to an incident where some persons obstructed a BJP candidate from filing nominations in Bodha mandal in Chittoor district, Election Commissioner said two persons were arrested and FIR was filed in connection with the incident. He made it clear that the SEC had taken all measures for the peaceful and smooth conduct of elections and added that he had full faith in the police department and the state administration. He said the SEC had got information that some sporadic incidents of violence had taken place and would keep a close watch on such incidents.

He said the Election Commission would review the cases where the candidates are obstructed from the filing of nominations. He said it would welcome the Nigha app developed by panchayat raj department to keep a vigil on the polls.

Referring to colours on the government offices, he said the Andhra Pradesh High Court had given clear directives for their removal and action would be taken if the orders were not followed. Ramesh Kumar said there was no need to cover the faces of the statues of the departed leaders. SEC office secretary S Ramasundara Reddy, joint secretary A V Satya Ramesh were also present in the media conference.