Situation monitored continuously: CEO

Madurai, June 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Naresh Gupta tonight said the situation in the constituency was being monitored continuously.

Talking to newspersons here, after inspecting all the arrangements for the by-election tomorrow, he said all arrangements were in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.

On reports of money distribution to woo voters, he said there were no sufficient evidence on the issue.

The voters should come forward and produce evidence, he added and dismissed the argument that poverty was being exploited by using money power to secure votes.

To a question, he said the para-military forces were entrusted with the security of the polling station, booths not due to the lack of faith in state police.

It was in compliance with the Supreme Court order and further, the overall maintenance of law and order was vested with the state police and administration, he pointed out.

The same was implemented in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar elections, he said.

For the first time, ration cards would not be accepted as identity proof and voters should bring the Voter Identity Cards issued by the Election Commission, he added.

UNI