Ready for bypoll to 3 seats: CEO

Election officials have seized over 200 kg of gold and diamonds worth several crores of rupees, of which, around 94 kg has been returned after supporting documents were furnished, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said here on Saturday.

Information related to cash seizures have been shared with the Income Tax officials for further actions and the flying squads and surveillance teams have been briefed to implement the model code of conduct in letter and spirit, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

The State Public Elections Department is all geared up for the elections and the vacancies in Tiruparankundram, Sulur and Ottapidaram Assembly constituencies have been reported to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Madras High Court order on Thiruparankundram and the vacancy notification by the Assembly due to the demise of Sulur legislator have been forwarded to ECI for further action.

If the ECI directs to conduct bypolls to the three constituencies, the State Public Elections department is ready to conduct them, he stated. In case of Aravakurichi, the litigation was still pending, Sahoo added.

Commenting on the implementation of model code of conduct, he said that till now, over Rs 30 crore has been seized along with 310 kgs silver ornaments. However, Rs 4.45 crore cash was returned to help the banks transfer cash to ATMs. Also, specific guidelines have been given to the banks for transportation of cash.

Liquor, gutkha and freebies were also seized by the district election machinery. All complaints received on the helpline ‘1950’ and cVIGIL app have been forwarded to the local poll officials. Till now, as many as 254 applications from aspiring candidates have been filed, including 35 women and a transgender. Complaints from voters related to violations of model code and those related to electoral rolls are being attended daily, he said.

Sahoo released a general handbook in connection with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and advised the district election officers to continue systematic voters’ awareness campaign till the polling day. The CEO’s office has been getting complaints from both AIADMK and DMK and necessary actions are being taken, the CEO said.

Earlier on Saturday, AMMK strongman P Vetrivel submitted permission forms for conducting rallies and public meetings to be addressed by AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. The AMMK had also lodged complaints against the ruling AIADMK, but the details were not shared by the party’s office bearers.