No poll code excesses, state electoral officer assures

Commenting on the row over the code, he said there was only one specific complaint against Solapur Collector Madhav Sangle, who has been transferred with immediate effect after an inquiry.

On the complaint of Union Minister for Forests and Environment, Suresh Prabhu, that he was restrained from participating in a programme organised by the Indian Merchants Chamber, Sankaran said he will personally inquire into theallegations. Significantly, Union Minister of state for Railways Ram Naik was granted permission for the same function.

8220;I think there must be different interpretation of the code of conduct by the two officials, who were approached by the offices of Prabhu and Naik. I have sought information on the complaint,8221; Sankaran added.

On the demand of Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde for an all party meeting to take stock of the situation, particularly misuse of power by the returning officers, Sankaran said there was no need for such a meeting. 8220;As per the practice, I had convened a meeting of heads of all political parties immediately after the notification was issued. However, the meeting was attended by only three representatives of political parties. Now, there is no need to hold another meeting,8221; he stated.

Regarding the controversy over unfurling the National Flag on the Independence Day, Sankaran said while the Chief Minister will unfurl the Tricolour at the Mantralaya, Munde has been permittedto unfurl the National Flag in Aurangabad.

Sankaran declined to comment on the charges levelled against him by Munde, saying, it will be improper for him to reply to allegations of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Sankaran said after 32 years, Maharashtra will be witnessing simultaneous polls. 8220;For the first time, we will be using electronic voting machines in four of the six Lok Sabha constituencies and 24 assembly segments in the metropolis,8221; Sankaran informed.

So far as the polling for the remaining constituencies is concerned, the Chief Electoral Officer said, the voters will be asked to put the ballot papers for Lok Sabha and assembly in the same box. 8220;We will provide white ballot paper for the Lok Sabha and pink for the assembly. They will be separated at the time of counting,8221; he further said.

On the security measures, Sankaran said elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure peace on the day of polling as well as counting. 8220;Besides the central security forces, we will be taking assistanceof more than 3000 NCC cadets,8221; he informed.

Sankaran said on the basis of the earlier elections, the department has identified 3000 out of the 74245 polling booths as sensitive. 8220;We will be providing special security cover for such booths. In addition, adequate steps will be taken to ensure smooth polling in the Naxal infested areas of Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Nanded and Bhandara districts,8221; the state electoral officer said.

On directives of the Election Commission of India to weapon owners, Sankaran said a high level committee headed by district collector for each district has been set up to review the situation. 8220;The decision of the committee will be binding on the weapon owner. There is no need for every one to deposit his personal weapon either with the police or the district collector as was the earlier practice,8221; he added.