Chief Secretary takes stock of preparations for by-election to Mandi Parliamentary Constituency

5 Dariya News

Kullu 27-Oct-2021

Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh ,Chief Electoral Officer of the state C. Paulrasu and Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu today visited Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti and Kullu districts and Pangi sub-division of Chamba district to take stock of the preparations for the by-elections to the Mandi parliamentary constituency scheduled to be held on 30 October, 2021.While presiding over a meeting of the senior officers of the Kinnaur district at Reckongpeo, the Chief Secretary directed to implement all the directions in spirit and letter given by the election commission of India. He also instructed to enhance the patrolling during the night time and keeping close vigil on the vehicles especially coming from out of the state. He expressed satisfaction over the preparations made by the district administration and assured that the state government would also arrange state and army helicopters if required due to inclement weather.Ram Subhag Singh said that Mandi parliamentary constituency had tough topography as it constitutes of remote and tribal area and moreover there were chances of fresh snowfall in the higher reaches. Keeping this in view, he asked the administration to deploy adequate man and machinery for ensuring smooth polling besides maintaining proper law and order situation. He also directed to ensure that the polling material and parties should reach well in time to the remotest polling stations.DGP Sanjay Kundu inquired about the security arrangements made for the elections and instructed for thorough checking during the nakas and also asked to keep a close watch on anti-social elements.

Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur Apurav Devgan apprised that 129 polling stations had been set up in the district and the polling parties would leave for their destinations on 28 October. Later, they also took stock of the counting centre and the strong room.While interacting with the officers of the Kullu district at Bhuntar, the Chief Secretary directed that all officers and officials must work with utmost commitment and dedication for ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections. He had detailed discussion with the officers regarding implementation of model code of conduct, arrangements made for the polling parties, polling booths and the strong room.District Electoral Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Garg informed the Chief Secretary that proper arrangements had been made for polling at all the four Assembly constituencies- Manali, Kullu, Banjar and Ani. In all, 604 polling centres had been set up in the Kullu district including six critical and 55 sensitive centres. Earlier, the Chief Secretary, DGP and Chief Electoral Officer also visited Killar, the headquarters of the Pangi valley in Chamba district to review the various arrangements for the by-elections. Resident Commissioner Balwan Chand informed the Chief Secretary that there were 37 polling stations in the Pangi area. Ram Subhag Singh directed the administration to make proper lodging and boarding arrangements for the staff deployed on the polling duty as the valley had already experienced fresh snowfall.