Patna: The first round of EVM randomisation for Bankipur assembly byelection was conducted at the NIC auditorium in the Patna Collectorate under the chairmanship of district election officer (DEO)-cum-district magistrate (DM) Kundan Kumar on Wednesday. There are 422 polling stations in Bankipur assembly constituency. During the first randomisation, EVMs were allotted to polling stations in the assembly segment.Later a separate meeting, chaired by DEO, was also held with enforcement agencies to ensure effective checks on illegal activities and prevent use of cash, liquor and other inducements during the election.The DEO said the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) would be enforced strictly during the byelection. He directed that public meetings, rallies and processions should be held only after obtaining the requisite permission.“Permission must also be obtained for printing pamphlets and for the use of loudspeakers and vehicles. For such permissions, a single-window system is operational at both the district and sub-divisional levels. The meeting also discussed arrangements for voter facilities at polling stations,” he said.The meeting was attended by the byelection officer, the returning officer for the Bankipur assembly constituency and representatives of recognised political parties.Senior in charge officer of the Expenditure Cell, Rajeev Ranjan Prabhakar, said flying squads and static surveillance teams have been deployed and necessary monitoring was under way.General observer Shiv Sahay Awasthi directed officials to ensure strict adherence to the MCC.Expenditure observer Shiv Pratap Singh said, “Candidates must open a separate bank account for election-related expenditure. Illegal and suspicious bank transactions will be monitored.”He also directed that GPS devices be installed in the vehicles of flying surveillance teams.Officials said all arrangements were being made to ensure a free, fair and peaceful byelection in Bankipur.
