Lok Sabha polls: EC appeals Maoists not to disrupt elections

The Election Commission on Saturday appealed to Maoists not to disrupt the Lok Sabha elections and allow polling to be held smoothly in areas of their influence across the country.

"We would like to appeal to our Maoist brothers not to disrupt the elections as voting is the responsibility of every proud Indian. It is the right of every citizen," Election Commissioner H S Brahma told reporters.

Election Commissioners Brahma, Nasim Zaidi and Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla were here to review preparations for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "We request our Maoist brothers in Left wing extremism areas to let the election be held peacefully and allow the citizens to select their representatives," Brahma said.

Zaidi, however, said the Election Commission was fully prepared to hold elections in Maoist-hit areas, but refused to disclose the strategy adopted for it.

"This is a sensitive matter and not open to the public. The strategy for holding smooth elections in Maoist areas is ready and being implemented," Zaidi said.

The EC would also check silent rigging of booths in riverine areas of Bihar that were hard to access and steps were being taken to hold free and fair elections there.

"We want Bihar to be free of silent rigging. 100 per cent polling stations will be covered by central paramilitary forces, Zaidi said.

EC micro observers would keep a watch and riverine areas would be patrolled on horseback, boats and motorcycles, he said.

The EC has identified 17,000 vulnerable hamlets where voters could be intimidated by influential persons. Over 56,000 such persons were identified and preventive action have been taken.

Altogether 34,377 warrants have been executed so far in the state.

The Election Commissioners today met Director General of Police Abhayanand and asked him to speed up the execution of the non-bailable warrants. An electorate of 6.21 crore would vote in six phases beginning April 10.

The first phase polls will be held in Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Sasaram and Karakat - all located in Maoist-hit areas.