Money distribution will be on radar, says CEC

Rajiv Kumar, accompanied by election commissioners, reviews the preparedness for Telangana Assembly polls

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THE Election Commission of India (ECI) is committed to conducting free, fair, transparent and inducement-free elections for the Telangana Assembly, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday.

Accompanied by election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, he was speaking to the media after reviewing the preparedness for the Assembly polls for the last three days. Rajiv Kumar said that a very loud and clear message has been given to enforcement agencies to act strictly against the use of money power during elections.

"Freebies and money distribution will be on our radar. We have directed the government machinery, Central and State, to be vigilant, careful and strict about this. We are sure they (enforcement agencies) will act and if they do not act we will make them act," Rajiv Kumar said.

Referring to online transactions, he said banks have been asked to keep a watch on online cash transfers in this regard. State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBCs) was told not to allow cash dispensing vehicles to move after designated hours. Checking of cargo movement through non-scheduled chartered flights will also be taken up.