Money power in polls major issue in Jharkhand: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath today said Income Tax officials would work in tandem with police to check money flow during yet-to-be announced assembly elections in Jharkhand.
"Use of money power is a major issue in Jharkhand and Income Tax officials will work in coordination with the police to check the flow of money during assembly elections," Sampath said at a press conference here.
At least one IT official would be deployed in each of the 24 districts for a coordinated action with the police against any seizure during the election process, the CEC said.
He said village level awareness groups comprising respectable citizens would be set up to inform officials in case there were money distributions to voters as inducement.

Poll observers would be available at a fixed time every day at the office of Deputy Commissioner for political parties or anybody to share information about any violation of model code.
Based on complaints by some political parties yesterday questioning "neutrality" among officials during Lok Sabha polls, Sampath said the EC gave directions to the officials to this effect.
Taking note of some political parties further lodging complaint with the ECI that "big parties" had monopolised space to display hoardings, banners and other campaign facilities, the CEC said equitable distribution of space would be ensured in the forthcoming assembly elections.