Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to ensure free and fair Goa Assembly polls with level playing fields for all political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken serious note of misuse of government schemes by the ruling party for threatening, canvassing and coaxing the electorate to vote in its favour for the ensuing February 4 elections.
Taking cognizance of possible money transaction during the last 72 hours of campaigning by the political parties and candidates, the ECI has adopted slew of measures including complete curb on liquor distribution, strict vigil on casino operations and air intelligent unit at the Airport.
The Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi along with two Election Commissioners Achal Kumar Jyoti and Om Prakash Rawat was on two-day Goa visit to review the preparations of elections. During their visit, they held series of meetings with election officers, political parties, Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and DGP and took stock of the situation.
Addressing media persons on Sunday, Zaidi said that political parties expressed apprehension about abuse of money, distribution of gifts and possible misuse of withdrawal of cash in casinos. The parties further stated about likelihood of distribution of gifts in last week before the polls. “Political parties demanded that level playing field be ensured and entire electoral process must be conducted in a free and fair manner,” he said.
During our meeting, most political parties complained that ruling party is using beneficiary data base of government schemes for threatening, canvassing and coaxing voters. “Certain government schemes such as Laadli Laxmi are being misused by the government machinery to threaten voters,” he said.
“We have taken serious note of the concerns raised by the parties and have assured them to look into all their concerns and initiate appropriate action,” Zaidi.
The Commission has directed the State Election machinery to address the problems of the political parties and instil confidence in the electorate to exercise their franchise without fear, coercion, intimidation or inducement and provide level playing field to one and all at ground level.
To curb misuse of money/liquor and gifts distribution, the CEC said, “Expenditure monitoring machinery has been fully activated and preventive measures are being taken with co-ordinated efforts of Income Tax authorities, Banks, Narcotics, Customs, Excise and state Taxation authorities and police officials.”
Zaidi informed that there was a fear that casinos can be misused with respect to cash withdrawal and distribution.
“This morning itself we have reviewed with the State administration and Director General of Police and in particular we have roped in senior officials from Karnataka and Goa into the process,” he said.
“Director General of Investigations along with his team in Goa and Karnataka and with cooperation from state administration is working on a strategy regarding entry and exit from casinos, movement of loose cash, setting up of static surveillance team and flying squads and certain action by Income Tax Department after development of actionable intelligence will follow,” he said.
He said that to monitor the movement of cash through aerial routes, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) has been made operational at Dabolim Airport. “Clandestine currency exchanges along with deposits in benami bank accounts are being monitored,” he added.
Movement of money through banking channels are being monitored and arrangements are being made to monitor these suspicious banking transactions, the Commissioner stated.
Zaidi said adequate number of paramilitary forces will be deployed in the State by January 25 to maintain law and order and a secure environment.
“Special surveillance would be mounted on cross border movement of liquor, money and gifts. DGP has been asked to take effective action against anti-social elements, proclaimed offenders and any other criminal persons, who can be used by the party or candidate to intimidate them,” he said.
Stating that commission is by and large satisfied with election-related activities and preparations in Goa, Zaidi said that commission is committed to maintain purity of elections and to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
The Commission directed the election machinery to be fearless, unbiased, neutral and independent from any influence whatsoever. Conduct and discharge of duties by the election officials would be under constant watch of the Commission. Anyone found wanting on these standards, the Commission will not hesitate to take stern action.
