Be impartial, poll chief tells officials

​Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday warned ‘erring’ officials of action who discharged their duties in favour of any political party in the poll-bound Telangana state. Addressing media persons here, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that the commission had received several complaints from the political parties against the officials. The commission is verifying the authenticity of the complaints and take appropriate action.

In the meeting held with the political parties on Thursday, the official said that some parties complained about partisan attitude of local officials and requested the commission to take action against those responsible for any partisan action. Some parties also complained about partisan behaviour by police against opponent political functionaries and complained that false cases were being framed against them. One party complained about not getting the reply on its complaints.

The official said that the commission took note of the concerns and suggestions of the political parties and assured them that the EC will put in place an effective mechanism to ensure smooth conduct of entire poll process in a free, fair, and inclusive manner.

The commission has directed the State-level and District-Level election machinery to be fearless, unbiased, neutral and be independent and not come under any influence whatsoever. The commission also asked the State Election Machinery to ensure effective monitoring and vigilance at all levels to address the concerns of the political parties and instill confidence in the electorate to exercise their franchise. Rawat said that effective monitoring will be done through web-casting/ micro observers/ videography in all sensitive polling stations to ensure free and fair elections. An effective mechanism was also created to prevent money/ token and gifts distribution and check the distribution of liquor and drug during election process.