CEC reviews 1st phase polling preparations in Agra

Agra, Mar 10 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami today said the Election Commission is determind to have free and fair assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled to start from April 7.

''I am not happy to see the pace of election preparations, but the officials have assured to complete them as early as possible,'' Mr Gopalaswami, who is in the city to review poll preparation for the first phase of poll, told mediapersons here.

More time has been allotted to the concerned district magistrates and they are likely to complete all the preparations at least five days before the start of the one month long poll, Mr Gopalaswami added.

He said at least 90 per cent candidates would get the photo identity cards before the elections.

Talking about the candidates with criminal backgrounds, he stated EC will not be responsible for them. ''They will be the sole responsibility of their respective parties only.'' The CEC is on a visit to Agra and Kanpur today to review the preparations for the first phase of polling in 62 assembly seats ending on May 8.

UNI