UP political parties want polls as per schedule, Covid protocols will be followed: CEC

Lucknow: Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra on Thursday said political parties in Uttar Pradesh want elections to be held as per schedule, and said 11,000 additional polling booths will be formed in the state in view of Covid.

A team of the Elections Commission of India, led by the CEC, was in Uttar Pradesh on a three day visit which concluded today. Chandra said all Covid protocols will be followed in the polls.

CEC Chandra said state officials informed that 86 per cent people in UP have got the first dose of vaccine, and 49 per cent have got both doses.

"Roughly 50 per cent people are fully vaccinated. We have been assured the first dose vaccine will be given to all in 15-20 days," Chandra said.

"We found out there are four Omicron cases, and three of them have been cured. Omicron impact is not much in the state," Chandra said.

"We met Health Secretary and discussed increasing vaccination in all poll bound state. All poll officials will be 100 per cent vaccinated. Officials on poll duties will be recognised as front-line workers and will be given booster dose of Covid vaccine on priority," the CEC said.

He also said all polling booths will be Covid compliant.

"Thermal scanner, mask and sanitizers are already under procurement, any voter who comes will be provided this facility. Number of polling stations has been increased. Polling time will also be increased by one hour.," he said.

The CEC said health nodal officers have been identified, and the nodal officer will ensure the polling booth is fully sanitised.

The CEC was repeatedly asked if the elections will be deferred, to which he gave no direct reply. He was also asked if the Election Commission would impose any restriction on rallies in view of the Covid situation, he said the poll panel will issue guidelines when the elections are announced and the Model Code of Conduct is imposed.

He also assured that officials on poll duties will remain impartial to all parties. He said officials being deployed on poll duty, who have served in one place for more than three years, are being transferred.

"5000 police personnel have already been transferred. 3,440 sub-inspectors, 1440 SHO, 14 IPS, 39 PPS officers have been transferred in UP," CEC said.

"On law and order, detailed discussions have been held in yesterday's meeting. The concern of political parties that you cannot be biased, that message has gone very deep. They will have to be with a uniform pattern of behaviour for all parties. All political parties will be given level playing field," he said.

Opposition parties have expressed concern over the officials favouring the ruling BJP in the polls.

Chandra was also asked if minority police officers are being transferred, which he denied.

Asked about the Allahabad High Court order to defer the polls in view of Omicron, the CEC said when the dates of poll are discussed it will be taken in view.

Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to go to polls early next year. (UNI)