CEC for strict action against biased Govt officials

Jammu, Nov 13 (UNI) A strict action will be taken against the government employees favouring political parties in the Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said here today.

Talking to mediapersons after reviewing the overall poll scenario in J&K, Mr Gopalaswami said that strict action would be taken against the government officials found involved in favouring a particular party or the candidate in the Assembly election.

He cited as examples the suspension of a Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) posted at Mahore in Reasi district (in Jammu) and transfer of another SDM posted at Zanskar (in Laddakh) for their alleged involvement in political activities.

The CEC said he had reviewed thoroughly the ground situation in Jamm Kashmir after holding meetings with the leaders of mainstream political parties and senior civil officials.

Mr Gopalaswami said the Commission would take care of complaints received during a meeting with the political parties.

He said there will not be any discrimination with regard to facilities being provided to the candidates and said ''equitable security'' would be provided to all the contestants.

The CEC also noticed that some former Ministers and MLAs were still using red beacon on the vehicles.

In the afternoon, Mr Gopalaswami reviewed poll preparedness and arrangements for holding free, fair and transparent Assembly elections in the state.

Earlier, on the day of his visit to the state yesterday, the CEC had similar meetings with the representatives of political parties and senior government officials at Srinagar.

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