Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj informed that no political party or candidate has come forward so far to claim any part of the ₹699 crore unaccounted cash and other valuables seized as part of enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in Hyderabad city.
Only police investigation will be able to zero in on the ownership, Mr. Vikas Raj said. A total of 10,106 cases have been registered with regard to the seizures. He said the Chief Election Commission is yet to respond to the State government’s request with regard to release of funds for Rythu Bandhu and farmers’ loan waiver schemes, and for the release of sanctioned Dearness Allowance to the State government employees. The CEC had asked for a few clarifications on the request, which have been sent, he said, while addressing a press conference on Thursday.
Speaking of poll preparedness, Mr. Vikas Raj said distribution of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) and voter information slips is in the final stages. So far, 86% of the voter slips, 2.81 crore in number, have been distributed, along with voter guide book, and flyers on cVIGIL app. A total 4,70,287 ballot papers and 8,84,584 EVM ballot papers have been printed at the government press.
