Varanasi, Oct. 23 -- With the objective of ensuring the participation of graduate voters in the MLC elections, returning officer/divisional commissioner S Rajalingam has directed the concerned officials and institutions to grant leave to eligible graduate voters on Friday-the day of polling-to enable them to cast their votes in election for graduate and teachers constituency to elect MLC. The divisional commissioner has explicitly stated that there shall be no deduction from the salary of any eligible voter who takes leave for the purpose of voting. All relevant institutions and establishments have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these directives, so that no voter is deprived of the opportunity to exercise their franchise. He has also appealed to all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote on polling day, in order to strengthen democracy. To ensure that the elections for the Graduate and Teacher constituencies of the Legislative Council (MLC) are conducted in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner, Divisional Commissioner/Returning Officer S. Rajalingam has issued necessary directives to the concerned officials. He clarified that strict action will be taken if any unauthorized person attempts to cast a vote or if any irregularities occur within the voting process. The divisional commissioner instructed officials to ensure strict compliance with election-related rules at all polling stations. Along with the proper verification of voters' identities, it must be ensured that only eligible and authorised voters exercise their franchise. Furthermore, security arrangements, surveillance, and other essential administrative measures at the polling stations must be effectively maintained. He emphasised that upholding the integrity of the election is the administration's top priority. Any negligence or violation of rules will not be tolerated. Concerned officials have been directed to discharge their duties with the utmost seriousness and to maintain constant vigilance over the election process. He further directed that all officers and staff engaged in election-related duties must work in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a fair and orderly manner....