AMN / WEB DESK
The Election Commission of India on Monday reviewed the election arrangements, law and order coordination in view of the upcoming election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar held a video conference with Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police and senior officials from enforcement agencies. This includes the Coast Guard, Narcotics Control Bureau and Income tax departments of Karnataka and border states of Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
During the review meeting, Rajiv Kumar directed state teams to enhance vigilance on the state borders. He specifically emphasised the need for vigil over the 185 interstate check posts across the six neighboring States, to ensure that no cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs and freebies takes place. While taking note of the seizure of over Rs 305 crore till date, Mr Kumar asked to fix the responsibility of local officers failing to control money power. The Chief Election Commissioner asked the officials to step up the seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration amongst the violators. He directed Coast Guard and Narcotics Control Bureau officials to keep strict vigil and help curtail the drug menace.
The Chief Election Commissioner also directed officials to keep a strict watch over social media for any violations and fake narratives vitiating the election atmosphere. He urged the officials to raise the bar further on voter turnout, gender, youth and urban electors’ participation