With the election model code of conduct coming into force with immediate effect after the Election Commission announcing the schedule for Nanjangud and Gundlupet constituencies by-elections yesterday, Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep held a preliminary meeting with officials at his office this morning.

Randeep said that teams have been formed to strictly enforce the code of conduct. Asking officials to ensure that no new schemes or official programmes are announced in Nanjangud and Gundlupet, the DC said that in the backdrop of the code of conduct, the District Administration has taken control of all government guest houses, inspection bungalows, travellers’ bungalows and other Govt. accommodations in the district.

Directing officials to sensitise elected representatives against participating in Government and official programmes in the wake of code of conduct, Randeep said elected representatives are not allowed to lay foundation stones for new works or launch schemes. Instructing them to instantly report to the higher authorities if they come across any poll code violations, he said that the District Administration was fully geared up to ensure a free and fair by-elections.

Directing officials to keep a close watch on paid news that may appear in State and regional newspapers, electronic media and other media, he said that officials must thoroughly scrutinise the content appearing in the print and visual medial on a day-to-day basis.

SP Ravi D. Channannavar gave a brief on the security measures taken by the Police. Stating that 154 villages come under Nanjangud Assembly segment, the SP said that the constituency has 236 polling booths including 58 cluster booths, out of which 72 are declared hyper-sensitive, 124 sensitive and 40 normal.

Pointing out that security will be provided in three stages, the SP said that two Policemen will be deployed round-the-clock in each village to report violations.

Stating that a MCC squad will be operating in every Gram Panchayat limits to ensure strict compliance, the SP said these teams will regularly report to the control rooms set up at the DC office and at Nanjangud Taluk Office.

These teams will keep a tab on posters, banners, buntings and such other publicity materials, he said and asked excise officials to keep a close watch on sale of liquor. He also instructed officials to keep an eye on bulk alcohol purchases, bulk orders in jewellery shops, transport agencies, hire vehicles and such other agencies/ services which are utilised by poll managers.

The SP further said that 15 check posts, with entry and exit points will be set up across the constituency to keep a check on the flow of money, liquor and other articles that are meant in influence voters.

Additional DC T. Venkatesh, ASP Kala Krishnaswamy, Assistant Commissioner C.L. Anand, Police, excise and other officials attended the meeting.