Assam Elections 2021: Over 1,065 hoardings, posters removed

 | 

DIPHU:

With the declaration of the Assam Assembly Elections by the Election Commission of India (ECI), and to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in the two ST Assembly Constituencies — Howraghat and Diphu in Karbi Anglong, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Returning Officer (RO) Ng. Chandra Dhwaj Singha convened a press conference at the Circuit House on February 28.

While addressing reporters, the RO said they removed all government hoardings and posters as per the notification of the Assembly poll.

“Over 1,065 hoardings and posters were removed,” he said. In line with the Covid-19 protocols, election meetings will only be in 52 venues for both Howraghat and Diphu LA constituencies.

“As in one Polling Station (PS), only 1,000 voters can cast a vote for an Auxiliary PS has to be set up,” he said.

The RO also stated that one contesting candidate could utilise only Rs 30,80,000 for election. The money to be used for election should have a joint account by both the candidate and his/her election agent. Money should be transferred through cheques, and if one wants to use cash, it should not exceed more than Rs 20,000. Candidate can keep money only up to Rs 50,000.

The Election Commission will monitor the expenditure by candidates, the RO said.

He further stated that voters of 80 years and above and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and COVID-19 positive patients could take the help of Postal Ballot Paper. The Booth Level Officer (BLOs) will visit their homes to cast their vote through ballot paper. If the BLOs don’t find the person for the first time, they would have to visit them again.

To facilitate women voters, 53 polling stations will have women staff, subject to the approval of ECI, Singha said.

Singha also said that there are 17,000 first-time voters in Diphu and Howraghat LA constituencies.

In 19-Diphu (ST) LAC, there are 258 PS and 47 Auxiliary PS. Approximately 19,7025 voters will cast their votes — 98,802 male voters; 98,215 female voters and eight other voters,

Again the number of voters of 80 years and above is 1,530, Person with Disabilities (PwD) is 180, Service voters are 280, and D voters are 505.

“In 18-Howraghat (ST) LAC, there are 167 PS, and 28 Auxiliary PS, which means votes will be cast in 95 PS. There are 65,467 male voters and 66,349 female voters, and another voter 1. Total 1,31,817 voters. Voters with 80 years and above are 1,007, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are 103, Service voters are 119 and D voters are 418,” the RO informed.

(Edited by Andre Kongri)

ALSO READ:

Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi launches state-wide unemployment protest in Assam