EC to visit Gujarat again, review poll arrangements

During the two-day visit, the Commission members would be meeting the state chief secretary, the director general of police, district collectors, political leaders and poll officials.

Union Home Secretary N. Gopalaswami today met Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh to apprise him of the security arrangements in place for the forthcoming elections.

The EC had sought deployment of 400 companies of paramilitary forces in the state for the elections. It had also urged the Government to send 200 companies out of the 400 by November 22 to the state.

While the Centre has promised to make available the requisite number of paramilitary forces by the said date, the Home Ministry has pointed out that the state would see to it that other requirements of the EC are fulfilled.

Saying that there has been a ‘‘broad agreement’’ on various measures being taken for the elections, sources in the EC said that it was satisfied with the arrangements.

‘‘The Commission would like to place on record the continuing harmonious working relations with the Union Government in respect of requirement of forces whenever necessary for any election,’’ a press note issued by the EC said.