Poll-related seizures cross Rs 603 cr worth cash, goods, got 5,183 complaints from C-Vigil app

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Chief Electoral Office (CEO) held a second randomization of electronic voting machines (EVMs) at the constituency level on Saturday, with observers, candidates and representatives in attendance to allot booths for Ballot Unit (BU), Control Unit (CU) and Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPATs) in the constituencies.

Second randomization was held in 78 Assembly constituencies on Saturday as remaining constituencies required additional BUs. They were advised to complete randomization by November 22, 2023, after first level check.

Cash, liquor, drugs, gold and freebies worth Rs. 603 seized

Cash, liquor, drugs, gold, and freebies worth Rs.603 Crores have been seized since the release of the schedule for the upcoming Telangana Assembly Elections 2023, according to Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj.

Following the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Rs. 603 crores in cash, Rs. 179 crores in gold and other metals, Rs. 96 crores in liquor, Rs. 34 crores in drugs, Rs. 53 lakhs in drugs/narcotics and Rs. 78 crores in freebies were seized.

As many as 22,254 permissions granted through Suvidha portal

So far, 22,254 permissions were granted to candidates/political parties through the Suvidha portal at the district/constituency level. A total of 5,183 complaints were received and addressed through c-Vigil.

The 1950 helpline has received 1987 calls since the release of the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The National Grievance Redressal Service (NGRS) received 20,670 complaints, of which 20,301 were resolved.The District Call Centre received 4,673 complaints, among which 4,543 complaints were resolved.

Use of official vehicles ban applies to vehicles from other States

The ban on official vehicles used for campaigning, electioneering, or travel during Telangana elections applies to vehicles entering the state openly or clandestinely from other states, even if no poll were held in their States.

A candidate can use unlimited vehicles for campaigning, but must obtain a permit for each vehicle, as without one, it would be considered unauthorized and action would be taken against such vehicles and persons involved.

The Election commission has issued a directive prohibiting vehicles from moving in convoys of more than ten, excluding security vehicles. The convoy, even carrying a Minister of State or Central Government, must be broken up to maintain a 100-meter gap.

The Model Code of Conduct should be shared with political parties and candidates to ensure compliance with regulations regarding official vehicle usage, air assets, private vehicle usage, and exemptions.

The number of Star Campaigners approved and sent to all District Election Officers by Party is as follows

• Bahujan Samaj Party - 40
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) - 36
• Bharathiya Janatha Party - 40
• Indian National Congress - 40
• Bharatha Rashtra Samithi - 39
• Pragathisheel Samaj Party - 15
• Bahujan Mukthi Party - 11
• Lok Tantrik Janatha Party - 20
• Lok Janashakthi Party - 20
• Bahujan Bharat Party - 12
• National Youth Party - 12
• Jana Sena Party - 8