Karnataka bans voters from carrying mobile phones to polling stations
Bengaluru: Abiding by the order of Election Commission on India that was issued in 2007, banning mobile phones inside polling booths, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) confirmed that the order will be ‘strictly implemented’ this time in the state during both phases of polling on April 18 and 23 in Karnataka.
“Though the standing order was issued by Election Commission of India way back in 2007, it will be implemented strictly this time” Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar said while speaking to media.
“This year the security officials and presiding officers have been strictly instructed to prevent electors from carrying mobile phones inside the polling booth. In fact they will have to leave it 100 meters away from the polling stations. The ECI cannot arrange the facility for storage of Mobile phones hence it is on electors to not carry mobile phones or cameras with them” Kumar said.
Another poll official admitted that though the Model Code of Conduct has had the ban provision since 2007, it was not implemented during the previous elections for reasons such as shortage of manpower among others.
Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits electronic devices at polling stations. The Act also mandates maintenance of secrecy at polling booths, which the officials afraid is compromised with voters carrying mobile phones.
However, polling officials, security personnel, presiding officers and agents of candidates will be allowed to carry and use mobile phones at polling station.
Karnataka has 58,186 polling booths for 28 seats this year where about 5.11 crore people will cast their votes including 2.6 crore males and 2.5 crores females and 4661 other voters.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
