State poll chief holds consultations with DGP

CHENNAI: State Election Commissioner (SEC) S Ayyar on Monday held consultations with Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramanujam to review the security arrangements for the civic polls.In an official release here, Ayyar said the SEC urged the DGP, besides other senior police officials, to follow the guidelines of the Madras HC in cases relating to the 2006 civic poll.“The court’s orders should be complied with to ensure free and fair elections to the local bodies in Tamil Nadu. Tough action should be taken against persons who violate law — irrespective of their status — to facilitate holding of elections in an upright manner,” the SEC said.The SEC underlined that security should be at par with the level provided for the State Assembly elections. The polling stations to police personnel on duty ratio, deploying police personnel from other States besides the paramilitary forces were discussed.The SEC said it had received information on large scale transfers in the police and school education departments at a time when the model code of conduct was in force. Also, provision of additional drinking water to certain municipalities, including Pallavaram had been noticed.“Top officials of these departments have been asked to file reports on the developments to the SEC in two days.”