ECI on Tuesday held a meeting of Chief Electoral Officers and Nodal Officers of Police of the five poll-bound States reviewing the final leg of preparations for the elections.
As per reports, polls in Uttar Pradesh are likely to be held in seven phases, while elections in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will be held in the first phase. Polls in Goa are likely to be scheduled between February 15 and 20.
“ECI reviewed the election preparations in the State. It reiterated steps the CEO has to initiate once the model code of conduct is enforced. ECI has directed to ensure that elections are held in a free and fair manner,” a senior official said.
Gearing up for polls, the CEO has directed the department of commercial taxes to monitor sale of bikes, electronic and household items costing more than Rs 5000 used to lure voters.
The CEO will be setting up ‘a multi-disciplinary task force’ which will be working at State, district and constituency level comprising of officials of I-T, narcotics, customs, excise, commercial etc to monitor sale of goods and other items.
