Polls will be conducted preventing influence of money, muscle: TS CEO Vikas Raj
Stating that there is clarity on the 'One nation-One Election' formula, the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj explained that they are now focussing on conducting the elections as per their schedule. Vikas Raj, who conducted a number of review meetings with different wings including law enforcement agencies, is concentrated on conducting elections preventing money, muscle, and liquor influence.
Q.) Did you get any leads about implementing the'One Nation-One election"?
A.) We are now focussing on the existing guidelines to conduct free and fair elections in Telangana. We only see it on media and we will act as per Election Commission of India guidelines.
Q.) Can you explain measures taken to prevent money, liquor, and muscle in elections?
A.) Well, we conducted a review meeting with 18 law enforcement agencies including central forces a few days ago and directed them to take measures to prevent liquor, money, and other things from influencing voters. We have prepared a ground to create awareness among voters not to accept money from leaders.
Q.) Recently, a public representative made comments that if a voter pressed any button on EVM, he would get votes. Are EVMs tamper-proof?
A.) No one can tamper with EVMs and it is only a perception. It was proved that EVMs are perfectly allowed. We will also allow candidates to check votes with VVPATS. We also request the voter not to believe rumours and come to the polling stations and cast their votes. We have made ready 72,000 EVMs for usage in the ensuing elections.
Q.) There is confusion about enrolling voters and deletions in many areas. How can you accommodate these issues?
A.) We are here to protect the rights of voters and formed a number of teams to visit colleges, educational institutes, houses localities including mingling with residential associations to enroll voters. Every citizen has the right to enroll their votes with the election commission as per their age limit. In GHMC areas, we directed the officials not to neglect any issue of enrollment and deletion. The voter can check the status by using the Apps.
Q.) How can people reach the Election Commission to raise complaints?
A.) We introduced Vigil App in which the citizen can lodge their complaints. Not only the status of votes, the citizens can complain about any issue related to elections. We will respond immediately to solve their issues.
