Civic polls:Officials told to keep tab on inducement to voters

In view of forthcoming polls to civic bodies in Maharashtra, state election commission has directed officials to take steps to prohibit political parties and politicians from giving gifts, money and liquor as inducement to voters.
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer J S Saharia also directed civic officials to keep a watch on transactions involving huge sums of money, with the help of banks and Income Tax department.
The officials were further directed to keep a watch on social media platforms like WhatsApp to prevent any untoward incident.
Saharia addressed a one-day workshop of all civic poll officials and senior government officials, organised by the SECM (State Election Commission of Maharashtra) here.

He also instructed officials to prepare lists of notorious criminals, take steps to seize illegal fire arms, deploy flying squads, undertake checking at toll check posts as is done during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in state.
"Timely steps should be taken to prevent the scourge of paid news," Saharia said.

Referring to the election related campaigning on social media platforms, he said, "the officials should closely monitor circulation of rumours and inappropriate messages and posts on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.
"Besides keeping a watch on banking transactions involving large sums, officials should also keep a watch on bus depots, railway stations and airports on movement of money."

Four-phase election will be held for 212 civic bodies, including municipal councils and nagar panchayats, between November and January next.
Elections are also due for 10 major municipal corporations, including Mumbai and Thane, and zila parishads next year.