PANJIM: With a major focus to ensure that there is no play of money power in the upcoming State Assembly elections, the Chief Electoral Office (CEO), who is taking serious note of possible misuse of casinos to stash illegal money for campaigns by the candidates or political parties, has instructed the casino operators not to indulge in such illegalities.
Speaking to Herald, CEO Kunal said that all significant initiatives from their side would be taken to ensure that there is no play of money power in the elections. “We have issued instructions to the casino operators to ensure that their premises are not used for parking or distributing money for the election campaign,” he said adding directions are issued to on-shore and offshore casino operators.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) too had taken serious note of the functioning of casinos, after political parties drew their attention to the casinos operating in the State, which could be misused to stash money by the politicians.
Flying Squads will be also keeping watch on the casino operations from now till the elections are held, he said.
Addressing media persons soon after election dates were announced by ECI in Delhi, Kunal said that the State election machinery is all prepared with flying squads being set up in all the 40 constituencies. “Directions are being issued to all the government departments not to undertake any developmental or administrative works till elections are held, even though the announcements were made in the past,” he clarified.
As per the ECI guidelines, all kind of political hoardings, banners, flags and write-ups on government properties and spaces will be removed within 24 hours, on public spaces in 48 hours and in private land within 72 hours from now.
A complete ban on use of official vehicle by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with elections (political parties) for campaigning or election related travel along with ban on issuance of advertisements in news papers, electronic media and social media, highlighting once achievements.
CEO has also set up 24×7 control room along with Complaint Monitoring Centre at district level.
Kunal said that directions are being issued to the department of commercial taxes to monitor sale of bikes, electronic and household items costing more than Rs 5,000, which are used to lure the voters during the elections.
The CEO has set up ‘a multi-disciplinary task force’ which will be working at State, district and constituency level comprising of officials of IT, narcotic, customs, excise, commercial etc to monitor sale of goods and other items.
