EC assures prompt action on poll day complaints

To ensure the smooth conduct of the West Bengal assembly polls, the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday said poll day complaints would be addressed immediately and action taken report made available online.

"The Samadhan app will work as a multiple mode of receiving complaints where besides in writing, video clips can also be uploaded for the purpose of registering a complaint," said Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar during a media workshop.

"There are provisions to forward a complaint immediately to a flying squad, and complaints regarding votes on the polling day will be attended within 30 minutes," Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar said during a media workshop.

"In case of poll day complaints regarding voting issues, a flying squad will be immediately dispatched to the area concerned to take photo and video evidence and act accordingly," he said.

Through the Samadhan, the complainant will also be able to track the status of complaints and the action taken report will also be made available online.

Conceding that the app may be used for making false or frivolous complaints, the EC official said there are checks and balances to ensure that the platform is not misused repeatedly.

While Samadhan will act as a citizen interface, the political parties and candidates can avail the 'Suvidha' single window permission system for holding public meetings, rallies, use of a helicopter, making of a helipad etc.

Talking about the Model Code of Conduct, the EC official said the political parties have been instructed to back their promises made in the manifesto with data.

"For ensuring the credibility of promises, the parties have been instructed to indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirement for them. For example, if a party promises a certain number of jobs, then it has to specify the quantum and the source of funds that would be used for the purpose," said Sarkar.