EC warns parties against bribing voters

The commission has been receiving complaints from various constituencies regarding cash or gifts for votes,said Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar,adding the commission was prepared to take stern action against the practice.

Refusing to divulge any specific information about the constituencies or regions where such cases are being reported,he said if complaints persist from these problem constituencies,the EC could postpone elections there.

Kumar said the EC had power to even countermand elections. So far,searches have yielded Rs 33.11 crore in cash and Rs 12.58 crore worth gifts and goods,of which Rs 5.18 crore was returned to the rightful owners after documents were produced.

In all,975 bribery cases have been registered. This includes eight cases against people who took bribe.