The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Karnataka): Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Meena, has underscored the Election Commission’s determination to conduct an “inducement-free” Lok Sabha election in the state. A heightened vigilance on “star campaigners” and the creation of a level playing field are pivotal in this extensive endeavor.
Highlighting a unique challenge faced by southern states, Meena pointed out that the issue of inducement overshadows muscle power in the electoral process. To counter this, an unprecedented coalition of 14 enforcement agencies, including both central and state entities, has been mobilized. This coalition, operational for the past six months, features entities such as the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, Customs, Director of Revenue Intelligence, Narcotics Bureau, and Excise Department, all actively monitoring the flow of money, drugs, and liquor, identifying kingpins, and tracking storage locations.
The Commission has also enhanced vigilance at all 172 interstate police checkpoints and nearly 60 excise checkpoints since the previous month, ensuring thorough inspection of vehicles for any illegal transportation of cash, drugs, or liquor from neighboring states.
Meena emphasized the importance of a level playing field, asserting that the party in power, whether at the state or union level, should not exploit its position. Violations of the Model Code of Conduct will be met with stringent legal action. Additionally, the Election Commission’s vigilant eye extends to all political campaigners, especially “star campaigners,” whose speeches will be recorded in entirety for scrutiny. Expenditures related to campaigning activities are meticulously monitored.
Sensitive areas across Karnataka have been identified based on historical election data, and extra vigilance teams are deployed in expenditure-sensitive constituencies. Legal measures have been initiated against identified potential “troublemakers” to ensure voter safety and election integrity.
With the Lok Sabha election schedule imminent, Meena assures that the state election commission is thoroughly prepared, from an updated voter list to the maintenance and preparation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), all conducted transparently in the presence of political parties.
The recent Election Commission statement calls for a campaign environment free from personal attacks, abusive language, and the misuse of religious places, focusing instead on policy criticism. This comprehensive approach marks a significant effort to ensure a fair, peaceful, and “inducement-free” election process in Karnataka.
