The Election Commission on Tuesday announced a blanket ban on possession of arms and weapons by civilians during forthcoming Gujarat Assembly Elections.
"License holders will have to deposit their licensed weapons with concerned SHO or police station," Achal Kumar Jyoti, Chief Election Commissioner told media on Tuesday.
However, he added that all licensed weapons shall be returned to the licensed owners once the polls are over.
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The Commission also asked the State authorities to provide cashless facilities to all polling staff.
CEC revealed that Political parties have welcomed the introduction of VVPATs. "They emphasized need to publicize its functioning," he said.
BJP and Congress have begun rigorous election campaign for the western state. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was on a two-day tour of Gujarat on Tuesday, which comes only two days after a similar tour by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.