The Election Commission on Monday said it is not fully satisfied with the law and order situation in western Uttar Pradesh, where polls will be held in 10 districts on April 13 and more troops will be deployed at sensitive polling booths in the area.
"A lot of modifications are required in the measures taken to prevent riots and booth-capturing in excessively sensitive polling stations of these districts," Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said in Meerut.
He directed all district election officers to ensure free and fair polls and warned them that strict action will be taken against them in case of any disturbance in sensitive areas.
Gopalaswami also said that more paramilitary forces will be deployed at polling booths in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat and Saharanpur.
He said a list of candidates with criminal backgrounds is being prepared.
Gopalaswami said it was for the government to take action.
"The Election Commission is working within its limitations and as per its jurisdiction cannot prevent any candidate with criminal background from contesting elections. Strict measures for this should be taken by the government," he said.
Gopalaswami and Election Commissioners Naveen B Chawla and A K Qureisi will review the law and order situation in connection with the second phase of elections in 58 constituencies.
He also addressed a meeting of all candidates and election officers.
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