AGENCIES / MUMBAI
The Election Commission today reviewed preparations for upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra with Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra met representatives of various political parties, District Collectors and police officials among others.
Addressing a press conference here, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said the polls will be announced keeping in mind important festivals. He also made it clear that EVMs will be used in the polls, saying these machines cannot be tampered with.
Mr Arora said Central Armed Forces shall be deployed in adequate numbers, especially in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.
The Chief Election Commissioner said some political parties have demanded that expenditure limit for candidates should be extended while some other asked for its reduction.
The Shiv Sena has urged the Election Commission to raise the expenditure limit per candidate from the existing 28 lakh rupees to 70 lakh rupees for Assembly polls.
The demand raised by the Sena was supported by its partner BJP, and also by Sharad Pawar-led NCP. The representation was made to the Election Commission by Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member Anil Desai