With general elections in Nagaland barely a week away, the chief electoral officer (CEO) Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, has appealed to all the central and state government employees to maintain an attitude of strict impartiality.
In a press release, CEO Nagaland asked the government employees to not only be impartial but conduct themselves in such a manner to inspire confidence in the public mind regarding their impartiality.
Stating that government employees were not expected to take part in any political activities, the CEO reminded them of Sec 129,134 and 134A of the Representation of people Act 1951, which states that no government servant was to act for furthering the prospect of any candidate, act as polling/counting agent. CEO stated that there was also penalty for breach of official duty in connection with conduct of election. “These actions are punishable under the law,” Sinha said.
CEO Nagaland stated that every government employee was expected to promote the spirit of democracy by actively participating for a free, fair and peaceful election. “It is the responsibility of every government employee being an agent of the government to educate the public on good practices during election so as to eliminate all electoral malpractices,” Sinha added.
Further, CEO reminded all the government officials who were appointed as returning officer, assistant returning officer, presiding officer, sector officers and security personnel to discharge their statutory duties without any partiality and fear. If any official act in contravention of the legal provisions strict action would be taken against him /her, CEO cautioned. Sinha has, therefore, appealed to each and every government official to maintain strict impartiality and discharge one’s duties as per the rules and provisions of law.
DGP appeals
Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma on Tuesday appealed to all sections of the people to refrain from acts that could vitiate the process of free and fair elections and invite adverse notice or action from law enforcers.
In a press release, Rupin said the police were actively involved in the process of conducting free, fair and peaceful polls under the guidance, supervision and direction of Election Commission of India. He added that the police had also commenced preventive drives against persons involved in or were likely to be involved in vitiating the poll atmosphere.
Sharma claimed that, besides the expenditure monitoring cells set up in districts, the police had also initiated several steps to curb the use of muscle power, money power and liquor during elections leading to seizures, arrests and registration of FIRs in police stations.
The DGP also cautioned the people that negative police records could adversely affect in the process of obtaining police verifications, character certificates, no objection certificates, etc, from the police for the purposes of obtaining arms licenses, passports, jobs, educational purposes, etc, later.
Sunday, May 3, 2026