Lucknow, Apr 06: The election commission has stated that besides photo-identity cards, some other documents will also be valid for identifying the voters in the coming Lok Sabha elections in the country. Uttar Pradesh Chief Election Officer Vijay Sharma said here today that passport, driving licences, Permanent Account Number (PAN), identity cards issued by the state or central government or other recognised agencies to its employees, bank or post office pass books, students identity card issued before March 31, 2004, land records, family ration card issued before March, 2004, pension papers, railway identity card, freedom fighters certificate, arm licences and disabled certificates issued by competent authorities before March 31, 2004 will also be accepted as valid by the presiding officers of the polling booths. The commission has also issued orders for extensive videography in all such places where the candidates might create troubles and where there are chances of breach of peace and tranquility during the polls.
It reiterated its orders yesterday to all polling officers of the state, to maintain discipline. It directed that no advertisements were issued in government expenses, and no cut-outs or sign boards and banners were fixed without prior permission from the authorities. The order also stated that no defacement of property, either government or public will be allowed. The authorities would take strong action against the violence of these orders, it warned. Meanwhile, more than 7.6 lakh people were identified for preventive arrests under section 107/116 during the election, fearing breach of peace and more than 24,000 non-bailable warrants were issued throughout the state to maintain law and order.
Bureau Report