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Thursday, Dec 16, 2004

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One-day polling in Haryana: CEC

By Our Special Correspondent

CHANDIAGRH, DEC.15 .The Chief Election Commissioner, T.S.Krishnamurthy, said here today that the date for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections would be announced shortly.

Addressing mediapersons after meeting representatives of political parties and State Government officials and reviewing the election preparedness in the State, especially in the context of fears voiced by the opposition parties regarding the "law and order situation'', Mr. Krishnamurthy said that the voters' list in the State would be completed by January 3. A Central Observer would be posted in Chandigarh and one each in all the 90 Vidhan Sabha constituencies to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. He said that there would be one-day polling in Haryana. Nearly 25,000 electronic voting machines would be used.

It would be ensured that there was no clash between holding of Panchayat and Vidhan Sabha elections and the examinations of students would also be considered before fixing the date.

Taking cognisance of the representations made by the Congress, the Chief Election Commissioner said that he had directed the Haryana Government to transfer those officers who had been posted at a single station for over three years. The Commission would also ensure that "tainted'' officers are not deputed for poll duty.

He also announced that Central forces would be deployed to ensure peaceful elections. He also directed the Chautala regime to round up "bad elements and criminals.'' The borders of the State would be sealed on the polling day, he added.

Referring to the apprehensions voiced by the opposition parties that the ruling Indian National Lok Dal could "indulge'' in "violence'' and "violate the electoral laws'', he assured that the Model Code of Conduct would be implemented strictly in the State and nobody would be allowed to create violent situation.

Replying to a question, he said that the ongoing inaugurations and laying of foundation stones by the Chief Minister were "morally incorrect'' as the elections were due in the State.

Meanwhile, the Working President of the Haryana unit of the Congress, Randeep Singh Surjewala, said that the Congress had urged the CEC to ensure that Central para-military forces were deputed during the entire process of election to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls, Central observers were posted for each of the 90 Assembly Constituencies; recruitments being made in the "arbitrary fashion against unsanctioned posts on contractual basis'' be stopped forthwith; direction be issued to the State Government and the State Election Commission to not conduct the Panchayat/lMunicipal polls till the conclusion of Assembly polls and the announcements being made by the Government be stayed forthwith.

The BJP delegation also pressed for immediate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in the State and polls be held after the middle of February and in the meantime, fair electoral rolls should be prepared by screening all bogus voters.

The delegation of the ruling party assured the CEC that the party would try to maintain its tradition of ensuring peaceful and fair polls.

The Finance Minister, Sampat Singh, said that Mr.Krishnamurthy was informed that all directions of the Election Commission were being followed in letter and spirit by the present Government as well as the party in power. As regards the Model Code of Conduct, Mr.Om Prakash Chautala was very much particular about it.

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