Ludhiana, November 12
For the first time in Punjab, persons, who are not able to cast their votes because they are posted at faraway places, will be able to do so, courtesy proxy voting.

Announcing this at a news conference at Punjab Agriculture University here today, Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Dr Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi said, “It has already been introduced successfully in six states. As a result, the polling percentage has considerably improved.”

About the elections in Punjab, he said, “Although Punjab has prepared well for elections, there will be no advancement of poll in Punjab. These will be held before March 13. The reason is that we are also holding elections in four others states along with Punjab.”

On whether or not former Punjab police chief PS Gill could contest elections, he said, “Anyone in India can contest elections.” But on his role in the state home ministry, he said, “If he is serving there on an honorary basis, then he can contest elections. Otherwise, he cannot. We got complaints that he had promoted about 300 police personnel in his area. However, we found that only 57 have been promoted, far less as compared to other districts of Punjab. But I have instructed Moga deputy commissioner and officers to keep a check on his activities.”