Agartala, Jan 12, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Jan 12:  The Election Commission of India has made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the voters join the festival of democracy without any fear or intimidation, said Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Addressing the press at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan here on Thursday,  the chief officials of the Election Commission of India said that it is committed and duty bound to conduct free, fair and inducement-free elections in Tripura.

“We had in-depth discussion with the Chief Secretary, DGP, DMs SPs, representatives of all political parties and enforcement agencies for two days regarding the overall election process. The election commission is committed and duty bound to ensure that ensuing Tripura polls are peaceful and violence-free”, said Rajiv Kumar.

Informing about the cVigil app, Kumar said, “In case of any emergency, threat or intimidation on the day of polling, netizens can use the cVigil app to inform the election commission”.

Briefing on the security measures, he said, “All the 3,328 polling stations will have a micro observer to ensure free and fair voting process”.

Besides, there will be a 3-ring security arrangement from the polling station to the strong rooms with CRPF manning the first layer of security.

“The Centre has already sent 100 companies of security personnel to Tripura for the Assembly election”, he said.

Along with webcasting at all the polling stations, DEOs and SPs have been asked to provide level playing ground to all the political parties during the polls, he added.

Apart from these, the banks and RBI will keep a close eye on the movement of cash in bulk. Besides, close vigil will also be kept at the airport, said Kumar.

The Chief Election Commissioner further urged all the political parties to inform the voters if their candidates have any criminal cases against them.

Answering to a specific question on Law and order, Kumar said, “Discussions with top security officials and central agencies is very assuring. They are all serious about duties. And in case of any negligence, action will be taken as per law”.

Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contemplated steps to ensure free and peaceful voting while the opposition political parties including CPI-M, Congress and Trinamool sought action against the violence perpetrated by the ruling party activists and inaction of police despite lodging complaints.