Hyderabad

The Election Commission of India is fully committed to deliver free, fair, transparent and inducement-free elections in Telangana, said Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday.

He was addressing a news conference at the end of three-day visit to Hyderabad to review poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Telangana

The ECI team, which met all state and central enforcement agencies during the visit, directed them to act very strictly against the use of money power during the elections. Loud and clear message was given to each one of them to act very strictly against the use of money power during elections. They were directed to almost dry up the inflow of liquor, cash, freebies and drugs, he said.

 This perception or actual reality of misuse of money power, freebies distribution by various political parties or candidates doesn’t augur well for democracy, he added.

The agencies were directed to identify kingpins of each malpractice. Banks have been directed to keep a watch on illicit online cash transfers through wallets. State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBS) were told to not allow cash dispensing vehicles to move after designated hours. Special vigil will be kept on ambulances and even on government vehicles if the agencies doubt that they are being misused.

There will be strict vigil on inter-state borders. He pointed out that 17 districts in Telangana share borders with four states — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. There will be a total of 148 total check posts, including 89 police check posts and 21 excise check posts.

All helipads and airstrips will be monitored. All enforcement agencies have been asked to work in a cohesive and coordinated manner.