Haryana's Last Electoral Hurrah: Bigwigs Make Final Push as Campaign Trail Ends

The high-stakes electoral battle in Haryana reached its crescendo today as the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections came to an end. In a last-ditch effort to sway voters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Mahendragarh, while Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a public meeting in Panipat.

As the state gears up for the crucial May 25 polls, the Election Commission has put stringent regulations in place to ensure a free and fair voting process. Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal announced that polling parties for the Lok Sabha elections will depart for their designated stations tomorrow, marking the final preparatory phase.

Aggarwal issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt by anti-social elements or political parties to disrupt the duties of these polling teams using their influence would be met with strict action in accordance with the rules. The Election Commission has left no stone unturned in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

The Chief Electoral Officer outlined the meticulous preparations undertaken by the authorities. The first randomization of polling parties took place on April 24, followed by their training, which was completed on May 6. The second randomization and training were subsequently completed on May 10 and May 19, respectively. 

Aggarwal emphasized that any misconduct within a polling station or disobedience of lawful directions from the presiding officer could result in the offender being removed from the premises by a police officer on duty. Furthermore, any person who re-enters a polling station without the presiding officer's permission could face arrest and potential imprisonment or fines under Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 

In a bid to maintain the sanctity of the voting process, the Chief Electoral Officer warned that if a presiding officer has reason to believe that a person has removed a ballot paper or an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) from the polling station, they may direct a police officer to arrest and search the individual. Such offenses carry stringent penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to one year or a fine, or both, under Section 135 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

As the clock ticks down to the crucial polls, Haryana finds itself at the centre of intense political manoeuvring, with both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress leaving no stone unturned in their quest for electoral victory. However, the Election Commission's unwavering commitment to ensuring a free and fair democratic process remains the bedrock of this high-stakes electoral contest.