Adequate security for polls

The chief electoral officer (CEO) for Orissa, Alka Panda held discussion with all political parties on issue of security to the candidates contesting the assembly and Parliamentary elections in the state.

Representatives of the political parties including Congress, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), CPI , CPM , NCP , JMM , BSP & RJD attended the meeting. Inspector General (Intelligence) RP Singh and Inspector General (Law and Order) AK Sarangi were present in the meeting.

The CEO and the officials interacted with the party leaders and listened to their concerns and suggestions.

During the discussion, Panda informed the members of political parties that adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure a free and fair election in the state. However, the candidates who are apprehending threat to their lives can seek protection from the state police.

Stating that the candidates in the naxal-affected districts will be given security as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, she said, personal security will be provided after assessing the threat perception of the candidates. The CEO requested the political parties to cooperate with the police in ensuring an incident-free election. While the state police has circulated do’s and don’t’s for the parties, the candidates should adhere to these guidelines during the elections, she added.

IG (Law and Order) AK Sarangi, nodal officer for managing the elections, informed that Superintends of Police (SPs) of the districts have been asked to make a fresh review of the threat perceptions of the candidates, following which security will be provided to those who ask for it. Panda also informed that voters must carry their photo identity card (EPIC ) to exercise their franchise during the election. However, in the event a voter is unable to carry the photo identity card, he or she may produce one of the 13 identity proof documents as certified by the Election Commission of India before the polling officer at the booth to cast vote. The list of the 13 identity proof documents given by the Election Commission of India was distributed to the political parties.