EC expresses concern over violence in UP

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Expressing serious concern over the spurt of violence in Lucknow and Kanpur, the Election Commision today directed the poll officials to act swiftly in gathering information about any possible trouble ahead of the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy told newsmen here today, after addressing over 200 Observers, that the Commision had cautioned the officials about possible communal violence. ''We have cautioned them to be extra careful and gather enough information in advance.'' He said over 200 election observers will be deployed for the last three phases of the polls in the state.

Uttar Pradesh -- the Hindi heart land of the country will have seven-phased assembly polls, beginning April 7.

The CEC said the poll officials have also been told to look at vulnerable areas and absentee voters.

Asked whether the EC was satisfied with the security arragements, he said, ''Wait and see how things move. At this moment, the situation is under control.'' Mr Gopalaswamy also brushed aside charges by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav that ''indiscriminate'' mass transfers of senior officials in the state by the EC resulted in the sectarian violence in Lucknow and Kanpur.

The CEC also refused to comment on the Chief Minister's appeal to electorate to vote for him or he would have to go jail.

He said the election observers will reach the alloted constituencies at least one day before the last day of nomination and stay there till the end of polling. This would ensure immediate redressal of complaints that would be received from various political parties and candidates.

The CEC said during the first visit, they will supervise the processes of nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, campaign and poll.

They would also be supervising preparation of Electronic Voting Machines, training of polling personnel and conduct of voter awareness programmes.

All observers have been asked to look into deployment plan of forces in the constituencies. They will also be critically examining classification of hypersensitive and sensitive polling stations.

During their second visit, all observers will monitor counting and declaration of results, Mr Gopalaswamy added.

UNI