RK Nagar by-poll will be monitored from Delhi: Election Commission

Addressing the media after visiting the constituency, he said the RK Nagar by-poll had many firsts including five observers being posted for poll duty. All 256 polling booths would be videographed and 10 companies of paramilitary forces who are expected to reach Chennai on Saturday would be posted both inside and outside the booths, he added. 

The booths would also have micro observers in addition to Central government employees who would be pressed into service for similar duty, he added. 

On misuse of EC given party symbols, Sinha said the EC had received more than 50 complaints on this issue and action would be taken after expert legal opinion was sought, he added. To ensure free and fair poll, teams consisting of youth, NCC members and others had been formed and based on the report they would provide after interacting with the area voters on attempted bribery by political parties, action would be taken, he said. 

To prevent impersonation, booth slips issued this time would be half the size of an A4 sheet with all details of the voter including his/her photo, he said. Bulk recharging of cellphones would also be monitored to ensure that it was not aimed at affecting voters, he ended.

In a surprise move, the Election Commission shifted two police inspectors and mid-level poll officials from the RK Nagar constituency on Friday. New Washermenpet police inspector Ramesh Babu and Tondiarpet police inspector Balakrishna Prabhu were both shifted following complaints from candidates that they were supporting the ruling party. 

Assistant returning officer Shekar and Voter Registration Officer Vijayakumar were also shifted out of RK Nagar constituency for similar reasons. It may be recalled that constant complaints of money being used to bribe voters resulted in EC appointing two additional observers for RK Nagar bringing the total observers to five. Voters can contact observers Sameer Tekriwal and Mallikarjun Utture on 9445036533 and 9445036536, respectively. A special complaint cell has also been set up at the Chepauk State Guesthouse where the public can meet them personally between 5 and 6 pm.