Patiala has highest number of voters; district administration poised for fair, transparent, and fear-free elections-DC, SSP
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 7,2024
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the District Administration of Patiala stands fully prepared and vigilant to ensure fair, transparent, and fear-free elections. In a press conference held at the District Administrative Complex, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray and SSP Varun Sharma shared insights and directives from the Election Commission of India concerning the electoral process.
Patiala has a total of 18,02,046 voters, including 9,42,205 male voters, 8,59,761 female voters and 80 transgender voters.
Addressing the media, District Election Officer Showkat Ahmad Parray emphasized the completion of all arrangements by the district administration and police to conduct the elections with integrity and transparency. He reassured voters of a peaceful environment, urging them to exercise their voting rights without intimidation.
DC said that today he has issued a public notice about the Lok Sabha elections as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India and the District Election Management Plan was also released.
Nomination papers will be accepted from May 7 to May 14 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Court Room (Room No. 108) from 11 am to 3 pm. Notably, nominations will also be received on May 10, coinciding with Lord Parashumram Jayanti, as it is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881. Apart from this, May 11 will be the second Saturday and Sunday, May 12 will be a holiday. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on May 15, with the withdrawal deadline on May 17.
Highlighting measures to facilitate voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and election staff, District Election Officer Showkat Ahmad Parray stressed the importance of ensuring every eligible voter can participate enthusiastically. Additionally, awareness campaigns by the sveep team aim to achieve the Election Commission’s target of over 70% voter turnout.
SSP Varun Sharma reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Stringent actions against anti-social elements, including depositing 85% of licensed weapons and maintaining surveillance at interstate checkpoints, demonstrate their dedication to maintaining law and order.
Patiala has highest number of voters; district administration poised for fair, transparent, and fear-free elections-DC, SSP. Noteworthy enforcement efforts have resulted in the arrest of absconders, seizure of illegal cash and substances, and registration of cases under relevant acts. The Patiala police remain vigilant against illicit activities, with a focus on preventing the misuse of money and muscle power during the elections. SSP further said that the Patiala police have also arrested 57 absconders besides recovering illegal cash worth Rs. 20 lakh and 19 kg of silver after the announcement of the election. By registering 93 cases under the NDPS Act, 10 kg of opium, and 3 kg of heroin have been recovered and 116 cases of Excise Act have been registered.
