Amaravati: State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Saturday warned that officials found negligent in maintaining law and order or managing the nomination process for municipal elections would face disciplinary action, including suspension or transfer.
In view of multiple reports of clashes and alleged attacks during nominations at several places, the State Election Commission (SEC) has stepped up security measures and directed district authorities to prevent further disturbances and ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, transparently, and impartially.
Addressing a press conference at the SEC office, Punetha said Collectors, Police Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Municipal Commissioners and election officials had been instructed to take proactive measures to prevent violations and maintain law and order. On receipt of information about disturbances, the concerned collectors, SPs and police commissioners were alerted immediately to bring the situation under control.
The Election Commissioner directed officials to ensure adequate security at nomination centres, enforce election rules strictly, and install CCTV cameras for continuous surveillance. Video coverage and compliance with the High Court's directives were also emphasised.
The SEC clarified that only the candidate and three permitted individuals would be allowed inside nomination centres, in accordance with the prescribed rules. Any violation would invite stringent legal action.
Punetha said negligence or laxity on the part of officials would not be tolerated and stressed that all departments must work in coordination to provide a level playing field to candidates and enable voters to exercise their franchise freely.
IG B Rajakumari, deputed to the SEC office, said comprehensive police security arrangements had been made across all districts in accordance with the directions of DGP Harish Kumar Gupta.
The police have identified certain areas and are deploying additional security at polling stations categorised as "critical", "hyper-sensitive" and "sensitive". Special arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, video recording, and adequate police deployment, have been made at nomination centres.
Referring to recent incidents of violence, Rajakumari said the police had responded promptly to bring the situation under control. The Annamayya district SP had visited the affected location and initiated measures to maintain peace.
She said the DGP had directed all district SPs to remain vigilant, respond immediately to incidents, and take preventive steps against possible disturbances.