Electoral authorities today asked the BJP government in Karnataka to stop identifying new beneficiaries under various social welfare schemes in the run-up to the May 5 Assembly polls.
"To provide a level-playing field to all parties in Assembly polls, I have asked the government to stop identifying new beneficiaries under various social welfare programmes including social security, old age pension and issue of new ration cards," state Chief Electoral Officer Anil Kumar Jha told reporters here.
Replying to a query, Jha said the EC has been receiving complaints against some parties for violating the model code of conduct.
"We are looking into the complaints and would initiate strict measures," he said.
Jha also asked the government not to effect transfers before the polls and to delete contents about its achievements from its website.
He said the revision of electoral rolls will continue till April 7 and new voters will be included till then.
The EC has received four lakh applications from first-time voters and approved 2.24 lakh while the remaining was being scrutinised, Jha said.
In order to create awareness among people to exercise their franchise, the EC has roped in Kannada film stars Aindrita Ray, Puneet Rajkumar, Ramesh Arvind as brand ambassadors, the officer said.
On tackling "paid news" during elections, Jha said the EC would act against violators and urged parties not to indulge in such methods. "We will also ensure that small newspaper owners are not intimidated by politicians," he added.
Jha also said action will be taken against politicians distributing free digital set-top boxes.
Homes in Bangalore and Mysore have been given a deadline to install set top boxes for their TV connections before April one.
