TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 16, 2024: Chief Electoral Officer Smt. Reena Babasaheb Kangale convened a meeting today with representatives of recognized political parties in the state, ahead of the Raipur Nagar (South) Assembly by-election. During the meeting, held at her office, she provided detailed information on the Model Code of Conduct, election expenditure limits, and the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the upcoming by-election.
The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the by-election on October 15. Voting will take place on November 13, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.
Smt. Kangale informed party representatives that the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced in the Raipur Nagar (South) constituency with immediate effect. She noted that there are 253 polling stations in the constituency, all located in urban areas. Additionally, auxiliary polling stations will be established in 13 locations where voter numbers exceed 1,500.
The Chief Electoral Officer also highlighted that voters can cast their ballots by presenting either the voter identity card issued by the Election Commission or any of 12 other approved forms of identification.
Regarding the nomination process, Smt. Kangale explained that only three vehicles per candidate would be permitted within 100 meters of the nomination center, and a maximum of five people, including the candidate, would be allowed inside the nomination room. She also encouraged parties to use the C-Vigil app to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct and the Suvidha app for obtaining necessary permissions during the election period.
The meeting also focused on the limit of election expenditure, with Smt. Kangale confirming that each candidate may spend up to Rs 40 lakh during the campaign. Guidelines for vehicle use, rallies, and other campaign activities were also discussed, ensuring all parties are aware of the regulations.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various political parties, along with Joint Chief Electoral Officer Mr. P.S. Dhruv, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Vinay Agarwal, and Assistant Chief Electoral Officers Mr. Apoorv Priyesh Toppo, Mr. Rupesh Verma, and Mrs. Sharda Agarwal.
