Wednesday, January 26 2005 13:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chandigarh: The three members Election Commission yesterday (Jan 25, 2005) reviewed the poll preparedness in Haryana for the February 3 elections to the 90-member State Assembly.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T S Krishnamurthy along with two ECs B B Tandon and N Gopal Swamy met representatives of various political parties, including Congress, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and ruling INLD (Indian National Lok Dal), and later held discussions with the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and other district civil and senior police officers.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh last evening, Krishnamurthy said that some political parties complained about some officials being 'close' to the ruling party and regarding some violations of the model code of conduct. "Where ever specific information has been given we will make inquiries and take action," he added.

He said that the EC has after considering the views of the political parties relaxed its order on allowing display of party flags on private buildings by allowing the owners of the buildings to display it on their premises. In other cases action would be taken for alleged defacement of public property, Krishnamurthy added.

The CEC said that they had stressed the need to round up parole jumpers and anti-social elements to ensure free and fair polling.