The Hindu Business Line : EC puts a spoke in the wheels of AP Govt cycle scheme

THE Election Commission has ordered a halt to all the schemes that benefited individuals, while clarifying that it would not come in the way of drought relief and social welfare activities.

Addressing newspersons here on Friday, Mr T.S. Krishna Murthy, the Chief Election Commissioner, reiterated, "specific benefits to individuals should be deferred." The directive calls for deferring of schemes like distribution of gas stoves and cycles to individual beneficiaries.

Mr Murthy, along with two other Election Commissioners, Mr B.B. Tandon and Mr N. Gopalaswamy met the Chief Secretary, Mr Mohan Kanda, the Director General of Police, Mr S.R. Sukumara, various political parties and top officials to discuss the poll preparedness of the State.

The CEC appealed to the Naxalites of People's War to join the democratic process and cooperate with the official machinery in the smooth conduct of the ensuing polls. He also appealed to the media to desist from publishing threats by such outfits.

He said the Commission had received inputs from the Home Ministry and received requests from both the political parties and the Government for additional forces to ensure the smooth conduct of polls. He, however, refused to divulge the details.

Refuting the criticism that electronic voting machines (EVMs) could be manipulated, Mr Krishna Murthy said it was safe and trustworthy.

Citing the Delhi High Court order, he said the candidates should submit an affidavit along with their nomination papers comprising details about their dues to Government, liabilities and properties. The Commission would display these affidavits at the offices of returning officers for the benefit of the voters.

He, however, said it was not the duty of the Commission to check the veracity of these affidavits.

Referring to a booklet published allegedly detailing the ruling party misusing the official machinery, Mr Murthy said that the commission had asked the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police to look into the matter.

He said that all publications should carry the details of publisher.

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