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Photo identity cards by Parliament polls: CEC

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BS Reporter Chennai/Dharwad
Last Updated : Jan 29 2013 | 12:59 AM IST

He said a survey had identified such families and steps were being taken to provide them the cards. Similar facilities would be available to families possessing ration cards without photographs of the members.

Speaking to reporters after reviewing poll preparations in eight districts of North Karnataka here at the DC's office here, he said poll officials would be asked to ignore minor errors in the election photo ID cards and permit voters to exercise their franchise. However, the CEC promised that faulty cards would be replaced for free before the 2009 Parliament elections.

The CEC warned candidates contesting in the assembly elections against using stree shakti groups for campaigning.

He said there were complaints that candidates were using SHGs and Stree Shakti groups for campaigning by luring them with money and such other stuff, and warned candidates of stern action.

The CEC said candidates sponsoring cultural and social functions would also be liable for action. He said, poll observers had been asked to keep a strict vigil on these violations and report to the commission for appropriate action.

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Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements for the third phase of polling in eight districts of North Karnataka, Gopalaswami said complaints regarding money distribution by the Congress candidate had come in from Kalghatagi constituency in Dharwad. "We have taken a serious note of the complaints.

The deputy commissioner has already initiated action in this connection and I have instructed the special observers to be pro-active," the CEC said.

He said advertisements on cable TV network would be added to the poll expenditure.

Gopalaswami said that so far 1,915 cases of violations of the model code had been booked and materials worth Rs 40.83 crore seized in the state, including cash, liquor and other materials.

Expressing satisfaction over the conduct of elections during the first phase, Gopalaswami said observers have been asked to be strict to ensure smooth polling for the second and third phase.

Earlier, the CEC along with other commissioners Navin Chawla and S Y Quaraishi held marathon meetings with the district deputy commissioners, IGPs, SPs, development commissioner and special observers and reviewed the situation district by district.

During the meeting with the recognised political parties, the Janata Dal (S) complained to the CEC of money playing a major role in Kalghatagi constituency and urged the CEC to put off elections in that constituency.

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First Published: May 15 2008 | 12:00 AM IST

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