To ensure free and fair electoral process during the upcoming Assembly Elections in Punjab, the Deputy Election Commissioner of ECI Dr. Sandeep Saxena today visited Punjab and reviewed the arrangements made for the elections.Addressing the senior officers, Dr. Saxena asked them to work fearlessly and full commitment and ensure implementation of the ECI guidelines in letter and spirit so that free and fair elections could be ensured in the state. Calling upon the administrative and police officers, he said that they would be handling most important and crucial task of maintaining law and order situation in the state during elections. There was a need of an hour for them to work in total coordination so as to give voter a sense of security fearless atmosphere.He said that the activities of the anti national elements and persons with suspicious credentials would be under constant watch of the ECI. They would not be allowed to disturb the law and order in the state.
He has directed the police officers arrest the proclaimed offenders as precautionary measure and the process of surrendering arms and ammunition should also be 100% completed at the earliest.Taking the issue of luring the voters seriously, the ECI has asked the state police administration to intensify police checking and ensure police nakas at sensitive points so that the voters could not be carried away by liquor, drugs or even money.Addressing the meeting Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Mr. V.K.Singh explained in detail the arrangements being made in the state to ensure free and fair elections. He said that luring of voters by liquor, money or drug would not be allowed. The already constituted committees would immediately come into action the moment model code of conduct is announced, said Mr. Singh. He also reviewed the arrangements made for the EVM Machines and Ballot papers. He asked the police officers to strengthen the steps to check the activities of suspicious elements and surrendering of the arms in their respective areas of operations.