EC to review arms licences in run-up to Assembly poll

If the ECI finds any sudden rise in the arms licenses in October as compared to past months,it may go through the profile of licensees. The objective will be to check if arms licenses were issued to political parties which can influence voters or to those who can disturb the law and order. “The agenda of reviewing arm licenses is important also to check if the most of licenses were issued to the ruling party that may try to influence other political outfits,” said an official.

“The idea is to give a level playing field to all parties. The commission will also check the deployment of security personnel,including police officers,to assess the atmosphere in poll-bound constituencies,” said an official.

UP Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha said the issuance of arms licenses was being reviewed to check if there was any sudden rise in licenses issued in October as compared to past months. Sinha said the review was a routine exercise the ECI conducts before polls.

Compared to the previous review meeting held in July,ECI has added three new points in the 67-point agenda including arms licenses,availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and number of applications forms received from voters during the summary revision held between September 29 and November 11. These applications are related with addition and deletion of names in electoral rolls and correction in EPICs. The CEO has sought information on these points from District Election Officers and Deputy District Election Officers.

Sinha said that November 21 onwards,the ECI could at any moment make an announcement about Assembly elections or related practices. It could also deploy officials in districts if it feels the need for fair and transparent elections. The ECI can also seek information from the government during next six months on various issues.

“During the next six months,the ECI can only give suggestions to the government on any issue. However,it can give directions only after notification of elections,” said an official.

Sinha said EVMs were being received from other states including Assam,Kerala,Bihar,and first-level checking had been started in the presence of representatives of political parties.