Amritsar DC asks political parties to ensure model code of conduct

After the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for Lok Sabha polls, Amritsar deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of various political parties and asked them to strictly follow the model code of conduct.

After the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for Lok Sabha polls, Amritsar deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of various political parties and asked them to strictly follow the model code of conduct.

Talking to HT, Bhagat said, "A detailed meeting was held with the representatives of the political parties and they have been handed out a list of do's and dont's relating to the code of conduct."

He said the administration would will not only ensure the removal of hoardings of political parties in the city but teams have already been formed to check any type of violation of code. Strict action will be taken against all kinds of defaulters,

Giving further details, the DC said, "A total of 1920 polling booths have been set up. On March 9, anybody having an issue regarding their vote can visit the booth where the staff will be present to hear them."

NOTA AND VPAT

The DC briefed the representatives of political parties that the electronic voting machines (EVM) machines will also have 'none of the above' (NOTA) option introduced by the Election Commission this time.

Apart from this, some of the EVM machines will be attached with another specific device that would indicate as to which candidate and party the voter has voted.

"There were allegations that EVM machines are manipulated. To remove such apprehensions and assure the voter that nothing is manipulated, a facility named VPAT (verifiable print audit trial) is introduced wherein voters will come to know which party and candidate they have voted for. It will give a printout. However, to begin with only a few machines will have this facility," said the DC.