Our Correspondents/ AHMEDABAD
The Election Commission has barred political parties, candidates and other organizations from publishing advertisement in the print media on coming Friday and Saturday without its prior approval in Gujarat.
The first phase of voting in the state will take place on Saturday. The poll body has asked them to get the advertisements pre-certified from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee at the state and district levels before publication.
Election Commission has also given special emphasis on making the election process accessible to the disabled, aged and infirm. All polling premises will be provided with sturdy ramps for barrier free access. A data base of Persons with Disabilities has been created and the list has been given to BLOs to provide assistance. Special facilities like wheel chair, waiting area, ramps, escort would be provided to any Person with Disability. Braille ballot paper will be provided for easy readability by the visually impaired voters.
For the first time, the Election Commission has decided to set up a minimum of one all Women Polling Station in the 182 constituencies. All such polling stations will be given a unique identity with a maroon coloured sign board.
Meanwhile Campaigning is at its peak for the Assembly elections in Gujarat with political parties leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour. For the BJP, party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel among others will canvas for votes. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will hold public rallies in Kutch, Morbi and Surendranagar districts today. BSP Chief Mayawati will address public meeting in Rajkot. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav will also campaign in Rajkot and Jamnagar for his party. The first phase of Assembly poll will be held in 19 districts of Kutch, Saurashtra and South Gujarat on Saturday.
