T’puram: Election observers appointed in connection with the assembly elections have assumed charge in the district, strengthening monitoring mechanisms ahead of the polls.According to an official statement by district administration, a total of four general observers, four expenditure observers and one police observer have been deployed across various constituencies in the district. Ashish Joshi has been appointed as the general observer for Varkala, Attingal, Chirayinkeezhu and Kazhakkoottam constituencies. He will conduct a daily public hearing from 10.30am to 11.30am at Varkala block panchayat office hall. His office is functioning from Varkala guest house. For Nedumangad, Vamanapuram and Aruvikkara constituencies, Patil Yalagouda Shivana Gouda has taken charge as general observer, with office facilities arranged in Room No 303 of Thycaud guest house. Gopal Meena has been designated as general observer for Parassala, Kattakkada and Neyyattinkara constituencies, while Yogesh Kumar IAS will oversee Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Nemom and Kovalam constituencies. Both are operating from Thycaud guest house. Swapnil Mangain has assumed charge as police observer for the district, functioning from Room No 205 at Thycaud guest house. Among expenditure observers, Umesh Kumar has been assigned to Nedumangad, Vamanapuram and Aruvikkara constituencies, while K Veeramani will oversee Kazhakkoottam, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram and Nemom constituencies. Pramod A Nikhale has been appointed as the expenditure observer for Varkala, Attingal and Chirayinkeezhu constituencies. Lokesh Sinkhal will monitor election expenditure in Parassala, Neyyattinkara, Kovalam and Kattakkada constituencies. All expenditure observers are operating from Thycaud guest house. Election observers, appointed by election commission, play a key role in ensuring the conduct of free and fair polls. They oversee poll-related arrangements, monitor expenditure by candidates, and address public complaints related to electoral violations. Officials said public can approach the observers directly during the designated hearing hours to raise grievances or report any violations of model code of conduct.
