CHENNAI: “We hope for the best but are prepared for the worst.” That was how Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Praveen Kumar summed up his department’s preparations for poll day. Although he said EC had taken stern action to curb money distribution to voters, he admitted that complaints in this regard had been pouring in from all parts of the state.
The CEO’s reaction came hours ahead of the polls on April 13 when he was asked about his assessment of the prevailing law and order situation at a crowded press conference here.
“EC is closely watching money distribution. Despite several warnings, it keeps on going,” the CEO said in response to a query. When a scribe complained that money distribution in an area in Mylapore was over within 10 minutes on April 11, he said, “That is the problem we are facing now. Before officials reach the spot, everything is over.” The CEO warned that the EC could postpone polls in constituencies where such complaints persisted. The Commission could also countermand elections after the polls were over.
Asked to name the constituencies where complaints were rampant, the CEO declined to divulge details. “I cannot reveal the names. But the EC is keeping vigil on them.” With campaigns ending by 5 pm on Monday, there should be no poll-related advertisement beyond that time, he said and added that even SMS campaigns were prohibited. But newspapers advertisements and door-to-door campaigning were allowed.
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