152 critical booths identified in Karnal

The preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections are in full swing. The district administration has identified 152 critical booths in all the five Assembly segments. Among these critical booths, 14 are in Nilokheri, 13 in Indri, 33 in Karnal, 40 in Gharaunda and 52 in Assandh Assembly segment. No vulnerable booth has been identified so far.

“After reviewing the parameters of the Election Commission, including number of cases registered in the last elections, caste conflicts, communal incidents, model code of conduct violation, number of cases of cash seized and others, we have identified 152 critical booths. We will ensure elections in a free, fair and transparent manner,” said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer.

“We have completed all the arrangements to conduct the elections. Returning Officers (ROs) of all the five Assembly segments have been asked to address complaints received through the C-vigil app along with ensuring compliance of the Model Code of Conduct. Any candidate found violating the MCC will face action as per the guidelines,” said Singh.

Besides, the ROs have been directed to ensure that all preparations related to the filing of nominations are completed. He said the ROs had been asked to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras at the offices where nominations would be filed, along with adequate security arrangements and staff deployment.

First randomisation of presiding officers ends

DC Uttam Singh said the first randomisation process for selecting presiding officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) for the upcoming Assembly elections was successfully completed on Wednesday at the Mini-Secretariat. He said there were 1,181 polling booths across five Assembly segments in Karnal.