E C to continue transfer policy

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Aug. 25: This is for the first time that the Election Commission of India has directed the execution of transfer policy for government officials serving a particular constituency before the by-poll election, the chief election officer, Mr Debasis Sen, said here today. Mr Sen pointed out that this transfer policy was initially applicable for general election only, but recently the EC instructed its implementation for the by-polls in West Bengal as well. Speaking to reporters here today, Mr Sen informed that the EC has also imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles, including cycle rickshaws.The CEO, Mr Sen, also visited some areas here, especially those affected by drought and prone to flood. He said that there was possibility of floods in September in this region, mainly due to shortfall of rain till now. Keeping the flood possibility in mind, Mr Sen instructed concerned officials to make a list of the number of country boats and mechanised boats that may be needed as a part of the emergency requisition to conduct the Malda by-poll, scheduled for 16 September. He also requested the officials to maintain adequate stock of medicines in rural health centres (even those required for snake bites) to combat the situation of flood during by-poll here. Polling personnels will move around by boats and also walk to the polling stations, Mr Sen added. He said that the Malda administration has been able to issue 96 per cent electoral photo identity cards. The Malda district administration will launch a special drive from 7 to 12 September to issue EPICs to the remaining people.#

Violation of EC code alleged

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Aug. 25: Malda Congress MLA, Mr KN Chouhdury, submitted a letter to the Chief Election Officer of the state today protesting against the alleged circulation of anti-Congress leaflets by the CPI-M leaders here.The MLA claimed that the circulation of leaflets by the CPI-M has violated the election code of conduct in the run up to the Malda by-poll.It may be recalled that the CPI-M members circulated the leaflets yesterday in reply to the leaflets circulated by the district Congress president, Mrs Rubi Noor. With an objective to capture the Malda Lok Sabha seat in the forthcoming Malda by-poll, the Malda CPI-M has been circulating leaflets on various issues allegedly targeting Congress leaders. It has already damaged the image of some Congress leaders, including the Congress candidate, Mr Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, the Congress leaders alleged.