"Over 1,000 FIRs registered across state for violation of model code of conduct," says MP Chief Electoral Officer

Nov 13, 2023

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 13 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan on Monday said that more than 1,000 FIRs were registered so far across the state in connection with violation of the model code of conduct.
He also said that till now the commission confiscated goods and properties worth Rs 330 crores, including Rs 38 crores in cash across the state ahead of the assembly polls scheduled to be held this week.
"A total of around Rs 72 crore was seized during the previous 2018 assembly elections. But this time, till now we have seized Rs 330 crore which includes 38 crores cash, liquor, drugs, jewellery and other things," Rajan said.
When asked about whether elections are being influenced by Deep Fake AI or complaints received for the same, the officer said that such complaints were received and continued to come.
"Such complaints were received and continue to come in which the face belongs to someone and the voice belongs to someone else. Whenever we receive such a complaint, we give the case to the cyber police and they conduct an investigation. If it is found that it is fake after the probe then we request the social media platform to remove it. There have been complaints about this type but it is not possible to tell anyone's name right now," he added.
When asked about election preparations, he said that there were complete preparations for voting in Madhya Pradesh.
"There are 64,523 polling stations, apart from these there are 103 auxiliary polling stations. There are around 17,000 sensitive polling stations in the state. We have made special security arrangements at the sensitive polling station. Central forces along with state police will be deployed at sensitive polling stations," Rajan added.
The officer further said that there would be live streaming from the sensitive polling station which they would be able to watch and monitor from Bhopal and Delhi. Complete preparations were made and voting would be conducted peacefully on November 17.
Reacting to the move when the election campaign stops after November 15, Rajan said, "Instructions have been given to all the collectors as to what to do 48 hours or 72 hours before the voting. Checking on the Hotel, Dharamshala and train will be increased. All kinds of actions which are taken before the elections will be taken."
The state is set to undergo polls on November 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies.