Guwahati: The Election Commission on Wednesday rejected request of "some" political parties to change the dates of first two phase of polls in Assam due to festivals, saying it cannot have this "luxury" while conducting such a huge national exercise.
Representational image of the Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath. PTI
The full Commission, which came to Assam in its first visit to any state after announcing the Lok Sabha poll dates, also directed the police to seize all licenced and illegal arms to have a free and fair elections in the state.
"Some political parties requested us to change the dates of 7 and 12 April for polling in Assam. Unfortunately we cannot agree. We cannot have the luxury while conducting such a national election," Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said.
Flanked by the two Election Commissioners HS Brahma and SNA Zaidi, Sampath said the parties are arguing that 7 April is 'Ashokastami', while 12 April is just two days ahead of Bihu festival.
"These two days are not even restricted holidays in Assam. During the poll days, we will have holidays and people will come out to vote," he added.
The Lok Sabha elections for 14 seats in Assam will be held on 7, 12 and 24 April, while counting will take place along with the entire country on 16 May.
Talking about measures that the Commission is taking to have a conducive atmosphere for polling, Sampath said "We have asked the police for deposition of all licenced arms along with seizure of all illegal arms. We don't want the voters to be intimidated in any way."
He further said the Commission has asked the concerned authorities to have vulnerable mapping of areas and then to provide security so that people living in those areas are not threatened and they can come and vote.
PTI
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