Bengaluru: The Election Commission of India (ECI) could announce the calendar of events for the coming state assembly poll in the first week of March, according to official sources. The poll will be conducted in a single phase despite the state government's request to the contrary.
Going by sources ECI officials made it clear during an interaction with political parties on Tuesday that the decision had already been taken to conduct elections in a single phase and there would be no change. Although the commission wanted to announce the calendar of events by February 25, the date has been postponed. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, Umesh Sinha said Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as well as VV pats would be used. The latter would allow a voter to verify which candidate he has voted for.
Deputy Election Commission Director (Expenditure), Dilip Sharma revealed the expenditure limit for each candidate had been raised to Rs 28 lakh from Rs 7.5 lakh during the 2013 elections. In a voter friendly move, the state Election Commission has prepared a mobile App to help voters verify if their names are in the voters' list and also identify their constituencies and booth names and the ECI has prepared an e-platform for grievance redressal.
Deputy Election Commissioner Mr Sandeep Saxena explained the single window e-platform could also be used by political parties to obtain permission for holding of public functions and use of helicopters as well as to lodge complaints about malpractices and see action taken on them in real time. WhatsApp groups too will be formed to allow the public to inform the EC about violations of code of conduct and break down of law and order.
Meanwhile, the Congress and BJP are said to have clashed during the meeting over alleged induction of two lakh illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, in the voters' list.
