Uttar Pradesh government bans victory processions by winners

LUCKNOW: UP government on Wednesday banned all victory processions by the winning candidates of the Lok Sabha elections and directed the officials to ensure security of candidates. Besides, a close watch would be kept on the celebrations by winners after the declaration of results on May 16.

Addressing the officials through video conferencing, chief secretary Jawed Usmani directed them to prevent any tension and violence during counting of votes and celebrations. The administration would keep extra vigil on the losing candidates to prevent any law and order crisis.

Usmani said no unauthorised person would be allowed within 100 metres of the counting station. He directed the officials to maintain vigil in their respective districts for two weeks after declaration of results. "Tight security for winning, especially VVIP candidates, must be ensured after counting process gets over," Usmani told officials.

Some prominent candidates contesting from the state include BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and its vice-president Rahul Gandhi among others. He also directed the officials to ensure adequate arrangements of fire brigade, ambulance and drinking water at the counting stations so that any conflict between workers of political parties could be prevented. "Every district headquarters should have a media officer round-the-clock for press briefing, and periodic announcement of trends using public announcement system should be ensured," he said.

Home secretary Anil Gupta, who was present during the meeting, said three-tier security systems must be put in place as per the directions of the Election Commission and each counting station must have a proper lighting system in case counting continues till late night.

UP DGP Anand Banerjee said all policemen would remain available on wireless sets so that directives can be issued to them on a timely basis.