Elections priority, postpone IPL: Mah DGP

Asserting that conducting free and fair elections in Maharashtra is his top priority, director general of Police and election security in-charge Suprakash Chakravarty on Friday, said he cannot spare his men for IPL matches, which should be postponed till after the elections.

"Holding free and fair elections is my priority and my constitutional duty. Providing security to IPL matches is not my lookout. I will not spare my force for IPL at the cost of election security," Chakravarty told reporters here.

"It (IPL) should not be held when the elections are on," he said adding, "The police force will be in tremendous pressure during three phase elections in the state and there will be heavy movement of force from one place to another," he said.

Replying to a query on whether he had spoken to Chief Election commissioner in this regard, Chakravarty said, "No. Our entire force is on deputation duty with election Commission. If the EC approves, then only it (providing security to IPL) is possible."

"Going by the threat perception and recent terror attacks, we can not think beyond security of the elections. At this moment, I do not want to put additional strain on my force," he said.