Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi holds meeting with officials in Patna

PATNA: Chief Election Commissioner of India Nasim Zaidi on Monday held a meeting with the officials of 22 districts which will go to the polls in the first, second and third phases, in Patna and reviewed the preparedness for the assembly polls.

The ECI has asked the officials to remain alert in the coming festival season and keep a close eye on even small incidents. Apart from directing the officials to strictly implement the Model Code of Conduct, the CEC Zaidi also gave special focus to ensure social and religious harmony in view of coming different festivals such as Dussehra and Muharram.

Zaidi, who was accompanied by the election commissioners- Achal Kumar Jyoti and O P Rawat at the meeting, addressed a press conference on Monday afternoon. “Ï have asked the officials to ensure confidence building exercise and area domination by the central para-military forces especially in all vulnerable locations, “Zaidi told reporters.

When reporters drew his (Zaidi) attention to the reference of castes in RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s speech at the Sunday election meeting in Raghopur assembly seat, Zaidi said the chief electoral officer will take note of it. “He takes note of it,” Zaidi told reporters.

Zaidi said the Commission has directed the officials to ensure full use of important software- Suvidha, Samadhan and vehicle management.

"SUVIDHA is single window system for the permissions and clearances to the political parties and SAMADHAN is the grievance redressal system. The Vehicle Management System will ensure timely online payment to its owner in his bank account ensuring elimination of intermediaries and prevention of requisition of one vehicle multiple times," a press release issued by the office of Bihar CEO said