Coimbatore District Collector Addressed the press meet today. City Police Commissioner Sumit Charan, District SP Arularasu, District Revenue Officer Ramadurai Murugan and many others were present during the event.
Coimbatore: In both Kerala and Coimbatore With the elections coming up in April, Coimbatore District Collector Rajamani took part at a press conference that happened today in Coimbatore and said that police officials and authorities from both Kerala and Coimbatore are to jointly work as both states are facing elections on the same date in April.
He then said that “we are going to consult with the authorities in Palakkad, Kerala to ensure that the elections go well. All the work for the Assembly elections in Coimbatore is underway and the Code of Conduct for Elections has come into force.”
Further during the meeting District Collector and Returning Officer Rajamani said that “The district of Coimbatore is bordered by the state of Kerala. General elections are being held in both the states. We are going to hold a consultation meeting with the officials in Kerala and Palakkad to prevent any irregularities in the elections.
From today the flying squads will be actively carrying out their missions. In Coimbatore district, 30 flying squadrons, 30 fixed surveillance teams and 20 video surveillance teams have been set up for cost monitoring. It can be increased again if needed.”
Later District Collector added that “Advertisements have been removed from political parties across Coimbatore district. The authorities have been advised to remove the display materials that were missing in a few places.”
He then spoke about the postal voting facility in Coimbatore and said that Coimbatore district has 64,650 people over the age of 80 and 20,000 people with disabilities. In the by-elections, senior voters over the age of 80, alternatively abled and voters living in the Covid-19 affected or protected area at the time of voting are provided with the facility to cast their ballots by post of their choice.
Special committees will be set up including revenue, health and polling officials. These groups have to fill up Form 12D to get the postal vote to the voters by the 16th and the Returning Officer or Polling Station will be presented to the officer. If there is a postal vote for journalists, we will implement it.”
District Collector and Returning Officer Rajamani said that “there are about 4,467 polling booths set up in Coimbatore. Last time there were 975 polling centers. So, this time, 1085 more polling stations are being added. Of these, most polling stations in the corporation area. The facility is designed to prevent Covid-19 spread and reduce the distance to polling stations.
Of the 788 polling stations, 112 centers according to the Police and Revenue Department have been found as tension zones and are in a situation where more voters may come to the same center. There are no polling stations which have violated Law and order.
We are going to hold free and transparent elections. The control room is open 24 hours a day to report suspicions. Complaints can also be made through the C-Vigil processor. So far, the control room has received 85 complaints over the phone. Proper action is being taken on these complaints.The control room has received phone calls asking for information about voter ID cards, postal voting for the elderly, and advertising banners, and complaints about the distribution of gift items.
Violators of the election will be prosecuted. Gift items will be sealed upon delivery. So far, there have been 15 complaints of election irregularities across the district. Complainants will be given protection if needed.”
He said that “ At polling stations, volunteers have been appointed for the convenience of the voters. In the last parliamentary election in Coimbatore, up to 70% votes were casted. This time in the Assembly elections is trying to bring a 100 percent turnout, with the help of NGOs and volunteers.
Up to Rs 50,000 will be confiscated if the documents are not taken along. Nodal officers will be appointed to monitor this. We are also careful not to disturb business people.”
Further during the press conference, District Collector Rajamani stated that “At Tasmac stores, a Nodal Officer will be appointed to oversee the sale of liquor in bulk, including sales survey. Appropriate permission must be obtained to hold the meeting in the wedding hall, including the hotels.
CCTV cameras will be set up at the counting center along with a place of stay for political parties. According to the Forest Department, about 50 polling stations are located near the forest. Police and revenue officers to avoid difficulties there will be appointed, to look over any situations there” He said.
Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Sumit Charan, District SP Arularasu, District Revenue Officer Ramadurai Murugan and many others were present during the event.