Patna, Sept. 12: The Election Commission today closed the gate of the state hangar for VIP movement at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport. All VIPs would now have to use the normal commercial gate to reach the terminal.
The decision is part of the ongoing expenditure-monitoring drive being conducted by the EC to check the flow of illegal cash, which could influence electoral activities in the state. The same decision applies to Gaya International Airport.
Bihar additional chief electoral officer R Laxmanan said: "The decision to close the state hangar gate for VIP movement has been taken after holding meeting with the district administration, state police and officials of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Now, all VIPs would pass through the normal commercial gate and checking of baggage would take place intensively. We have sought the list of people exempted from frisking."
The EC also launched a mobile-based media application for election news called ELECOM. The Android-based application can be used election related news/press releases and it allows mediapersons, government authorities or citizens to check news related to elections in Bihar. The application provides easy navigation facility an search archive press releases. To download the application one has to visit http://ceobihar.nic.in.
He added that the EC would be vigilant in checking the cash flow. Airports on the border such as Ranchi, Bagdogra, and Varanasi had also been put on alert.
During the elections, the flow of VIP movement at Patna airport automatically goes up, as the leaders of different political parties make frequent visits to the state capital.
Elaborating on the drive for proper imposition of the model code of conduct, Laxmanan said 2,714 litres of illegal liquor had been seized apart from Rs 8.5 lakh and Rs 66,000 from Sheikhpura and Banka districts respectively. He added that with the enforcement of the model code of conduct, different cases had been registered.
District public relations officer R.B. Sahay said 25 education institutions of Patna district had been identified for creating campus ambassadors to carry out awareness drives among voters.
