May 18th 2024.
In preparation for the second phase of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha on May 20, the Election Commission of India has announced that they will be deploying 102 companies of central armed police forces. This decision was made in light of recent incidents of violence in Ganjam and Bolangir districts, which have raised concerns about the safety and security of the upcoming elections.
The deployment of central armed police forces will be focused in the Maoist-affected district of Kandhamal, where 22 companies will be stationed. Additionally, 14 companies will be deployed in both Sundargarh and Bargarh districts, while Bolangir and Boudh will each have 5 and Jharsuguda and Sonepur will have 4 and 2 companies respectively. In total, this amounts to 10,200 personnel who will be working to ensure a peaceful and fair election.
According to State Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal, there are 79.69 lakh eligible voters in this phase, including 39.35 lakh women and 851 transgender persons. It is also worth noting that nearly 24% of these voters are below the age of 30, and there are 975 women for every 1,000 men. With 9,162 polling stations set up, the Election Commission has identified 1,541 as model polling stations, 1,041 to be managed by all-woman personnel, and 25 to be run by officials with disabilities.
Out of these polling stations, nearly 20% have been deemed critical due to their location in Maoist-affected areas. To ensure the safety and well-being of both voters and officials, the EC has made arrangements for adequate drinking water, ORS, and essential medicines at each polling station. Additionally, paramedical staffers, ASHA workers, ambulances, and mobile health units will also be deployed. In case of any emergencies, an air ambulance and an Indian Air Force helicopter will be on standby.
The Election Commission has also addressed the recent pre-poll violence in Ganjam district, where a BJP worker was killed. CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal has expressed his concern about the incident and has taken action by deploying an additional DGP-rank officer to oversee the law and order situation in the affected area. He has also called for a meeting with all recognized political parties to discuss the matter and ensure that the EC's zero tolerance policy towards violence is upheld.
As the election approaches, the EC is hopeful that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful and successful election in Aska, which includes the area where the recent violence occurred. With a total of 265 MLA and 40 MP candidates in the fray, the EC has also appointed 10 general observers, 15 expenditure observers, and 3 police observers for this phase of the polls. So far, the EC has seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other valuable materials worth Rs 254 crore across Odisha during the election period.
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