Parties in Pondy get EC notice over poll promises

Puducherry CEO, V Candavelou said the notices have been issued to both the parties. He said the third randomisation of polling personnel was done in the presence of observers. The EVMs and poll materials were distributed to the polling stations with police escort. He said the general observers will scrutinise Form 17A and the Presiding Officer’s dairy on May 17. 

Regarding the arrangements, he said tight security arrangements have been made with the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to instill confidence among the voters and to ensure free and fair polls in a peaceful manner. 

Nearly 6,000 police personnel, including CAPF, were deployed and nearly 5000 personnel were posted at the polling stations across the UT. The 200 m leading to the polling booths have been declared sterilised zones. He advised voters not to bring mobile phones, cameras or any other electronic gadgets to the polling stations. 

Dr Candavelou said nearly 1,070 students have been roped in for real time polling monitoring, web casting and added that Aadhaar card won’t be accepted as it is not listed as an alternative document for Identity prescribed by Election Commission of India. 

He said that the electors have to produce their EPIC or authenticated voter slip for ID.