Maharashtra Assembly polls: EC reviews preparedness, says ‘those spreading fake news, using deep fake, will be…’

Ahead of announcing the schedule for Maharashtra assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Saturday said that those spreading fake news and using deep fake tech on social media will be dealt with sternly.

The CEC made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Mumbai after reviewing the poll preparedness in the state.

The election for 288-seats Maharashtra legislative assembly is likely to be held in the month of November.

“There will be checking of all helicopters to ensure inducement-free assembly elections in Maharashtra,” said the CEC.

Here's what the CEC said

— We met BSP, AAP, CPI(M), Congress, NPP, MNS, NCP, NCP (SC), Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT) – totaling 11 political parties.

— All parties said that there are festivals, such as Diwali, Dev Diwali and Chhath Puja, therefore, poll dates should be announced keeping these festivals in mind.

— The term of the assembly is ending on November 26, so polls have to be conducted before that.

— There will be 1,00,186 polling booths in Maharashtra assembly elections.

— It is the right of voters to know if any candidate has a criminal background. The candidates who have a criminal background will have to advertise on television and newspapers three times declaring the criminal cases against them. Even the political parties will have to publish within three days of the nomination of the candidate as to why the candidate was selected.

— Officials who have served in their home district or current posting for over 3 years, have been asked to be shifted.

– Of the 288 assembly seats, there are 234 general seats, 25 ST seats, 29 SC seats.

— ECI is committed to ensuring no voter is left behind and ensuring voting is accessible to all.

— CEC expressed concern over urban voter apathy. Effort will be to ensure that there is maximum enrolment and voting in the Maharashtra assembly elections.

Technology will be used

The Voter Helpline App will ease search for electoral information.

CVigil app will help reduce noise and campaign clutter.

Suvidha Portal will facilitate political parties and candidates.

Directions to Enforcement Agencies

— Work in a cohesive & coordinated manner
— Share Intelligence mutually
— Strict vigil on interstate borders. 24x7 CCTV monitoring at critical check posts.
— Dry up inflow of liquor, cash, drugs. Special focus on the border with Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa
— Action against Drug and Liquor Kingpins.
— Strict watch over national highways and rail routes.
— Strict vigil and clampdown on cash flowing covertly in vehicles disguised as police vans and ambulances.
— Constant vigil over dubious online transactions through wallets
— SLBC to move cash in designated vehicles. No movement after sunset
— Monitoring of airstrips and helipads for any cargo movement
— Check helicopters of all parties' star campaigners/leaders equally. No favour to anyone.