The State Election Commission (SEC) on Friday imposed restrictions on the stay of outside political leaders in panchayats before 36 hours they go for polls.
State Election Commission (SEC) Secretary Rabindranath Sahu said, “Restriction has been imposed on the stay of political leaders and campaigners in the fields soon after the mandatory deadline of campaign which end 36 hours before the polling date. If they (Ministers, MlAs, campaigners) are voters of the specific place going to poll, they could be allowed to stay.”
“As per the norm, campaigning stops 36 hours before the polling date. Those political leaders from outside the constituency are not allowed to stay put there. Since there is no scope for further campaigning, they have to leave the place,” said Sahu.
Meanwhile, the State Government has declared special holidays for three days for its employees staying away from their native places to cast their votes. Employees can avail the facility on the day before the polling date, on the polling day and the day after it.”
Elections would be held in five phases on February 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21.