Carry documents for cash above Rs 50,000 while travelling: Punjab CEO to voters

On carrying mobiles to polling booths, the CEO said that the Election Commission of India prohibits voters from carrying mobile phones and other communication gadgets inside polling booths on election day.

To a query on publicity, the CEO said that political parties can place flexboards and hoardings only at designated locations after seeking permission from the district election officers and the chief election officer.

Sibin further said that no political party or candidate can seek votes based on religion, which is a clear violation of the MCC. He mentioned that his office will take action against violators within 100 minutes of receiving the complaint.

A voter thanked the CEO for deploying women staff on polling duty near their residences. In his reply, the officer said that based on the directions of the ECI, special attention has been given to appoint women staff at the nearest polling booths.

On a query whether government employees can canvass for any political party or leader, the CEO underscored that no government employee can campaign for political parties. Stern action, including registering a case, will be initiated against violators, he warned.

Amid rising temperatures, Sibin said that various initiatives have been taken to increase voter turnout and provide relief to voters at polling stations from the heatwave. He said that each polling station will have water coolers, fans, seating arrangements and sheds to provide relief to voters from the heat.

Punjab has 2.14 crore registered voters, including those aged above 85 (1.89 lakh voters), 1,614 Non-Resident Indians, 1.58 lakh physically challenged and 5.38 lakh first-time voters, who will cast their votes at 24,451 polling stations across the state.