The Election Commission of India on the second day of the visit to Lucknow on Wednesday held a review meeting with the state's senior officials to assess the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly poll preparedness.
The chief secretary, district magistrates, police commissioners, deputy inspector general of police officers, additional chief secretary (home), among other officials were present in the meeting.
The Election Commission directed the state officials to take tough measures for curbing the flow of cash and liquor during the elections and for ensuring free and free elections.
The Election Commission asked the officials to keep a close watch on black money and liquor smuggling to UP from the neighbouring states. The Election Commission also asked officials to keep a close watch on air traffic and ask airport authorities to keep a complete record of chartered flights of the political parties and their leaders.
The Election Commission directed that the movement of the cash van for dispensing cash at the ATMs should be restricted after sunset. It said the movement of cash from the cash chest of the Reserve Bank of India would be permitted only with valid documents otherwise the cash would be seized.
The Excise department officials apprised the Election Commission of the detailed plan for curbing the flow of illicit liquor and liquor smuggling from the neighbouring states. The Election Commission sought the data of alcohol consumption in UP in January-February last year.