Poll watch panel seeks action against DS code violations

HYDERABAD: Appreciating the Election Commission's action against Medak MP Vijayashanti for violating the model code of conduct, the Election Watch, Andhra Pradesh (EWAP) on Thursday demanded the commission to take similar action against PCC president D Srinivas for code violations.
The EWAP gave a representation to chief electoral officer I V Subba Rao on Thursday.Convener M Veda Kumar said that D Srinivas, being a state head of a national party, should have set an example to others in following the code of conduct.
Veda Kumar said that during the 2009 general elections, Srinivas violated the code and was reprimanded by the EC. Again during the present election, he was indulging in acts of serious violation of code, he said. "We appreciate the action taken against the MP following her remarks in the party office, but when it comes to the Nizamabad Urban constituency, the candidate's repeated violations are not being taken as seriously as they should be. We appeal to the commission that there should be a parity in dealing with code violation," said Veda Kumar.
The EW also wanted the EC to check online money transactions in the 12 constituencies going to bypolls.
Meanwhile, the EC released a specimen of the ballot paper which is the size of a newspaper. The ballot papers will be used in 5 of the 12 constituencies as the contesting candidates number there is higher than 64. The printing of ballot papers will be completed by July 20. Additional staff will be deputed in polling booths where the ballot papers would be used.
Rao said that 22 companies of central forces have already arrived in the districts and 22 more companies will be arriving on Friday. Training for the polling personnel will start from Friday, he added.