Chief Electoral Officer Ensures Timely Response to Model Code Breaches

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, the state is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and fair electoral process. Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer, Anurag Agarwal, has announced stringent measures to address any violations of the model code of conduct, promising swift action within 100 minutes of receiving complaints.

With the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for May 25 and all 10 seats in the state up for grabs, Haryana is bolstering its security apparatus. Anurag Agarwal revealed that the state has already secured 15 companies of central armed police forces, and a proposal has been sent to the Home department for an additional 200 companies.

Agarwal emphasised the importance of securing the electoral process, stating, "We want to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling across the state." He highlighted the deployment of Haryana Police and home guard personnel alongside the central forces to bolster security during the elections.

Addressing concerns about the increased demand for central forces compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Agarwal clarified that a similar number or more companies were requested previously. The objective remains consistent – to maintain law and order and safeguard the democratic process.

Regarding potential implications of the Model Code of Conduct on government actions, Agarwal affirmed that any government decisions, such as a cabinet expansion, would be subject to scrutiny if they contravened the electoral guidelines. He assured that the Election Commission of India would provide guidance if needed, ensuring adherence to democratic principles. 

In an effort to streamline the reporting of violations, the Election Commission has introduced the C-Vigil app, empowering citizens to submit evidence of misconduct promptly. Agarwal assured that complaints received through the app would be addressed within 100 minutes, demonstrating the commitment to transparency and accountability.

With nearly 1.99 crore eligible voters in Haryana, the state is gearing up for a significant electoral exercise. Agarwal urged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process and report any irregularities promptly. As the election day approaches, Haryana remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard democratic values.