This Article is From Sep 27, 2016

Will Keep Watch On Role Of Police In Uttar Pradesh Polls: Chief Election Commissioner

Will Keep Watch On Role Of Police In Uttar Pradesh Polls: Chief Election Commissioner

Chief Election Commissioner said he would ensure free and fair polls in UP next year (File)

Lucknow: The Election Commission today said it will keep a close eye on the role of police, use of money and muscle power during the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year.

After a meeting with representatives of various political parties in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said that holding free and fair election in the state would not be a problem if the police acted in an unbiased manner.

"During a meeting with representatives of political parties, apprehensions were raised that the police force might be misused in favour of some party or the other. We will keep a close eye on the police," Mr Zaidi said.

He said that the Commission had received complaints about sub-inspectors being made in-charge of police stations in place of inspectors, who then take "biased" decisions.

"During the forthcoming elections our main focus will be on police stations. The Election Commission will keep an eye on police stations as there is a feeling that if unbiased action is taken at that level, there will be no problem in holding free and fair polls," he said.

Mr Zaidi also reassured opposition parties that postings at police stations would be made as per the Election Commission's policy when some expressed reservations that nearly 50 per cent of police stations were headed by officers of a particular community.

He also promised that the Election Commission would do its best to deploy central forces at certain sensitive places where candidates have complained that they may be prevented from filing nominations.
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