Code of conduct comes into force

Visakhapatnam: Since the election code with regard to the MLC Graduates Constituency elections is in force up to March 18, there will not be any inaugural functions, laying of foundation stones for new projects or holding public meetings, said State Chief Election Commissioner Banwar Lal in a video conference with District Election Officers on Tuesday.

The State Chief Election Commissioner asked the district officials to hold a meeting with all the party representatives to apprise them of election code and rules to be followed.

He said that the ongoing MGNREGS works and the welfare schemes of SC and ST communities could be continued and the DROs were appointed as returning officers besides divisional and mandal officials as nodal officers.

He also emphasised the need for effective police bandobust during the elections to ensure free, fair and smooth conduct of polls.

District Election Officer and Collector Praveen Kumar replied that a total of 90,074 graduates registered their names as voters in the district of whom 56,659 are males. He said necessary guidelines were issued to all public representatives in this regard.

Nominations will be received from February 13 to 20 except holidays at the respective Collectorates, scrutiny on February 21, withdrawals up to February 23 and the election will be held on March 9 while the counting on March 15.

Commissioner of Police T Yoganand informed that of the 80 polling centres in urban areas and 42 in rural areas, 12 were identified as sensitive centres in the Agency where special bandobust will be arranged besides videographing and webcasting.

Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma, DRO Chandrasekhara Reddy and Collectorate Election Cell superintendent Murty were also present.