Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath, who was here in Shimla with high-level team, including Election Commissioner H.S. Brahma to take stock of the situation ahead of the assembly polls, scheduled later this year avoid giving any dates for the assembly election.
The team met the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioners, DGP and other concerned officials, representatives of political parties to get inputs for finalising the dates of elections. The team also sought the detailed weather chart of the state, especially in the tribal areas, to know the occurrence of snowfall and general weather conditions in the high altitude areas during October, November and December.
However, Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath in a press conference refrained from giving any indication of dates for the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections, but assured that EC will keep everything in mind including festive season and the weather conditions, before announcing any dates.
While addressing media persons, chief election commissioner showed his satisfaction with the preparedness of the state for the elections. He also said that EC is also monitoring the election-related expenditure of candidates and political parties, and to make it more effective high-level team also holds meetings with the income tax department as well.
While replying to a query about the allegations of the Congress party that the government might announce some populist policies and measures that can influence the voters ahead of the polls. V.S. Sampath said that EC is keeping a close eye on the government’s actions and the conduct of its officials as well. He also said the commission would take steps to curb the menace of money power and paid news in the ensuing polls.
