Vijayawada: In the wake of reports that violence might break out on the counting day on June 4, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked the District Election Commissioners (DEOs) to declare dry days depending upon the local situation and impose closure of liquor shops till completion of counting of votes, even as tight security was being maintained at the counting halls across the State.
Instructions to this effect were given to DEOs by the ECI to ensure smooth conduct of the counting process. While the district administration announced closure of liquor shops in a few districts from Sunday evening while in other areas it would commence from Monday evening.
The liquor shops would remain closed till completion of counting on June 4. On their part, the Andhra Pradesh police are leaving no stone unturned in conducting counting peacefully. Security has been tightened in all the sensitive areas across the State in wake of post-poll violence that took place in parts of Andhra Pradesh after polling on May 13.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a serious notice of the violent incidents that took place in Narasaraopet, Palnadu, Chandragiri in Tirupati, Tadipatri and other areas during and after polling in Andhra Pradesh from May 13 and asked the department to initiate stringent action against culprits.
