Imphal, February 08: Election Commissioner (EC) TS Krishnamurthy today expressed satisfaction at the poll arrangements by the State Government for the forthcoming Eight State Assembly election and exuded confidence that the poll would be conducted smoothly.

Krishnamurthy who arrived here yesterday to oversee the poll preparations in the State told reporters during a press conference at the Old Secretariat conference hall today that he is "reasonably" satisfied with the arrangements.

Despite the continuing poll related violent incidents, the EC had no doubt that the election will be conducted smoothly.

Stating that the State Government is fully aware of the circumstances, he said that the situation could be brought under control once central paramilitary forces arrive in the State.

To a query, Krishnamurthy said the security forces provided to the State is maximum in view of the fact that Assembly elections are also being held in three other States.

Assembly elections are being held in Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Punjab.

On the rejection of State's proposal for a three phase polls by the Election Commission of India, he said the request was turned down because of non-availability of security forces and infrastructure and other unavoidable circumstances.

He reminded that the expenditure for the ensuing election is expected at Rs 7.5 crores.

The EC also informed that the proposed mobile polling stations could not materialize as there was no political consensus on the issue.

To another question, Krishnamurthy said that the ECI has nothing to do with the alleged forced withdrawal of the Congress candidates in Chandel and Tengnoupal Assembly constituencies as the returning officer followed the prescribed rules and procedures.

The candidates concerned should go to law courts or police if they were forced to withdraw their candidatures.

It may be recalled that senior Congress leader Mani Shanker Aiver had alleged that the returning officer did not comply with the required rules and procedure for withdrawing the two�s candidatures.

While appealing to the general public to co-operate with the Government for conduct of smooth poll, Krishnamurthy said voters should feel free to come out.

Meanwhile, a Government release said that the Chief Electoral Officer has banned modifications in electoral rolls till the completion of the ensuing State Assembly election.

An election control room will be opened at the Telephone Bhavan, Imphal.