State Bureau, Ranchi: For the first phase of voting in the assembly elections, the Election Commission has decided to airlift election personnel to polling stations in five districts. There are 225 such polling stations located in West Singhbhum, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Garhwa, where personnel will be transported on Monday. Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar provided this information on Sunday, stating that all preparations for voting in the first phase are complete.
The Chief Electoral Officer also emphasized that individuals from political parties who are not local voters but are in these areas for election duties must leave once the campaign ends. If found there after the campaign period, they will face legal action according to the rules. He urged all candidates to comply with Election Commission rules and advised voters to bring their voter slips with them to the polling stations.
Voters who have not received their voter slips should contact the BLO (Booth Level Officer) or volunteers at the polling center to obtain a token to facilitate their voting. If voters do not have their voter ID card, they can still vote by presenting one of 12 other valid identification documents for verification.
Candidates’ Camps to Be Set Up Away from Polling Stations:
The Chief Electoral Officer stated that on polling day, candidates can set up their camps at a distance of at least 200 meters from the polling stations, and they must obtain prior approval from the appropriate authority. Camps cannot be set up on religious or encroached locations. Flags, banners, symbols, and photos associated with the candidates are prohibited in these camps. Each camp may only have one table and two chairs, and no food or refreshments are allowed. Additionally, returning to the camp after voting is restricted.
Seizures Cross ₹1.75 Billion:
The Chief Electoral Officer reported that 53 cases of violations of the Model Code of Conduct have been registered so far, with the highest number, 28 cases, in Garhwa district. Since the code of conduct was enforced in the state, illegal goods and cash amounting to ₹1.76 billion (₹176.15 crores) have been seized.
