Code violation, action will be taken without complaint : CEO

Tiruchirapalli, Mar 16 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Naresh Gupta today warned that action would be initiated against those violating the model code of conduct even without a written complaint.

Talking to reporters here, he said the Election Commission (EC) would take stern action against those violating the model code of conduct for the May eight polls to the State Assembly.

Mr Gupta said action would be initiated even without a written complaint. The officials could take action against violators on the basis of telephone calls, observations made in the media, and advertisement campaigns etc, he added.

''Though no adoc staff are appointed for this purpose, the EC officials will be vigilant on this'', he said.

On the deployment of central forces for poll duty, he said it would be decided by the EC.

On issuance of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) in the state, Mr Gupta said all the shortcomings like procurement of equipments, shortage of manpower, training, etc by the agencies have been overcomed. The process has now gained momentum and has almost reached peak level, he added.

On transfer of officials, he said the transfer orders could be made effective even now and officials like District Collectors and others could issue orders in tune with the norms laid down by the EC.

Earlier, Mr Gupta held a review meeting on the poll preparations with the District Collectors of Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Karur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai and Tiruvarur, along with EC officials.

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