Ranchi: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar on Tuesday said his office had learned from various sources that the Congress had released its election manifesto during the 48-hour silence period, adding that the matter would be investigated of an investigation.
Congress leader Bandhu Tirkey released the document in Ranchi on Tuesday even as campaigning for the first phase of polling ended on Monday evening.
Speaking to the media in his office, Kumar said he would have to review the developments but legally no political party can release its manifesto during the silent period.
He said that everything electoral staff have reached their stands, adding that the helicopter drop of personnel in the affected extremist areas and remote areas has also been completed. He called on voters to vote with their friends and family members, adding that voting is not only their right but also their duty.
He said the mock polling would begin from 5:30 a.m. and called on candidates to ensure that their agents were present on time. He said in the event an officer arrives late, poll workers will wait no more than 15 minutes. He clarified that candidates and political parties could set up their camps outside the 200 meter radius of polling stations.