By-polls in flood-affected seats not to be postponed: CEO

Bye-elections in three Assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh will not be postponed in the wake of floods as the situation has improved, UP Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha said here today.
"The flood situation in Kheri, Bahraich and Bijnore has improved where bye-elections are due in Nighasan, Balha and Bijnore seats, respectively, and there is no question of any postponement of polling there," Sinha said.
"Water has receded and there is also no problem connected to roads, especially in Kheri and Bijnore. We are in touch with the district authorities of all the three Assembly constituencies," he said.
In Balha constituency of Bahraich, the condition is fast returning to normal and a report has been sought, he said.

The CEO said Central forces will not be deployed for the bye-elections.
To a question, he said the demand of Opposition parties for removal of district and police officials engaged in poll duties is being reviewed.

The Election Commission has set up a control room in the state capital to register any complaint about violation of the Model Code of Conduct or any other matter, he said.
To another question, he said the commission has sought a report from the Lucknow district authorities if the venue of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's function to launch the 'Jan Dhan' scheme in the state capital today falls in the Lucknow (East) Assembly segment.

"I have sought a report from the Lucknow District Magistrate on the matter," he added.
The bye-elections for 11 Assembly seats, slated for September 13, have been necessitated as the sitting MLAs have been elected as MPs.