Campaigning normal

Election Commissioner BB Tandon on Sunday said that the campaign for the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls, to be held on April 20, was 'normal'

Election Commissioner BB Tandon on Sunday said that the campaign for the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls, to be held on April 20, was 'normal',with contestants, by and large, adhering to the guidelines.

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Reports received by the Election Commission from different parts showed that campaigning was normal and guidelines were followed. However, cases of guidelines violations would be dealt with, Tandon,who arrived here to review the preparations for the May 10 RPT May 10 polls in Kerala, told reporters at the airport.

Asked about the saree distribution episode in Lucknow, he said the officials concerned had been asked to submit a report and a show cause notice had been issued to the BJP." We are waiting for the reply. It will be investigated."

All arrangements for the first phase of the polls were in place and it was for the first time that Electronic Voting Machines would be used all over the country, he said.

A total of 10,75,000 EVMs would be used for different phases of the polls. Polling personnel had also been trained to operate the EVMs, he said.

Tandon, who is to review the situation in Kerala with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, said security personnel for the conduct of the polls would be allotted, depending on the state's requirements and availability of personnel.