Punjab assembly polls: 50 central force companies on way

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

With the election set to take place under the watch of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Punjab Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju said of the 75 companies allotted to Punjab, 50 would reach the state on Monday. After the arrival, the companies will start area domination operations.

After the enforcement of the model code of conduct, Raju held a meeting with DCs-cum-DEOs and CPs/SSPs and issued directions to ensure its compliance in letter and spirit. Raju has also brought all Election Commission’s guidelines to the notice of the Chief Secretary and other senior officials. He said an app, cVIGIL, had been launched and the complaints registered on it would be redressed within 100 minutes.

On another app, Suvidha, candidates can apply for various permissions, like for rallies etc. This will also be dealt with quickly. Highlighting that static surveillance teams and flying squads have been made operational all across the state to check violations of the model code of conduct, he said adequate security forces would be deployed for free and fair elections.

He said keeping in view the emerging challenges due to the pandemic, all stakeholders had been requested to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. Requesting political parties to strictly follow mandatory Covid guidelines, he encouraged them to opt for virtual campaign.

The CEO said as per the EC’s directions, no rallies would be held till January 15. He said there would be zero tolerance for any violation and action under the Disaster Management Act would be taken against anyone found violating Covid norms.

ON ELECTORAL ROLL

Male 1,11,87,857
Female 1,00,86,514
Third gender 695
NRIs 1,601
Service Electors 1,10,163
Persons With Disability 1,44,667
Total 2,12,75,066

Agewise break-up
Above 80: 5,13,229
18-19: 2,78,969

Polling stations
Rural 16,962
Urban 7,727
Total 24,689

Poll schedule

January 21: Issue of the notification
January 28: Last date of filing nominations
January 29: Scrutiny of nominations
January 31: Last date for withdrawal of candidature
February 14: Polling date
March 10: Counting of votes

LEADER SPEAK

We support Covid norms

We welcome the poll panel’s instructions. As the spread of Covid-19 is a matter of concern, we will strictly abide by the rules.... It is for the party to decide the CM face. The party listens to the voice of the people — Charanjit Singh Channi, CM

Mafia rule to end soon

The days of mafia rule will soon be over and CM Channi, along with PCC chief Sidhu, will be routed. Punjab has suffered due to misguided policies and rampant corruption by the Cong government. — Ashwani Sharma, state BJP chief

Will form next government

The party and its workers are completely ready for the upcoming polls.... The party will achieve success, especially in Punjab, where surveys are showing that the AAP will form the government. — Raghav Chadha, punjab affairs co-incharge, AAP