ECI asks Odisha Home dept to step up vigil on campaigning

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked Odisha`s Home department to ensure that the ruling party does not take upper hand in booking grounds for rallies, guest houses and government buildings for accommodation during campaigning for the forthcoming elections.

The ECI said all political parties should get equal opportunities in booking government buildings and grounds as per the single window system. It has also asked the Home department to keep a strict vigil on day-to-day affairs at sensitive places taking the assistance of police to maintain law and order in the areas, a release issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) here, said. "Even though a system has been developed to get the permission to hold rallies through a single window system, sometimes political parties create disturbances adopting ill motive. Police should take necessary steps examining the situation even though there is flying squad, general observers and static surveillance team," it said. The ECI issued the direction to home department of different states keeping in view disputes in Delhi and Lucknow, the CEO`s release added.