Punjab is all prepared for the climax of 2024 Lok Sabha elections as more than 2.14 crore voters, including 5,38,715 first-timers, prepare to exercise their franchise on Saturday, locking the fate of 328 candidates in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The state, with its political landscape buzzing with anticipation, is all set for the culmination of the electoral process, backed by the deployment of more than 2.60 lakh personnel— including 70,000 police personnel and central security forces. The results of this monumental exercise are scheduled to be announced on June 4.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C said the state has established 24,451 polling stations, including 5,694 critical ones, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Punjab’s expanse.
To streamline the voting process, various types of polling stations have been set up, including 1076 Model Polling Stations, 165 ‘Pink Booths’ managed by women, 115 Green Polling Stations, 99 youth-managed polling stations, and 101 Polling Stations managed by Divyangs (PwDs). “The entire voting process will be under strict surveillance, with CCTV cameras installed at all polling stations and live webcasting enabled for real-time monitoring by election officials and observers,” he said.
Furthermore, the election authorities have prioritized the security and well-being of voters and polling staff. CEO highlighted that the state has deployed a total of 2.60 lakh personnel for election duty, comprising 1,20,114 polling staff, 70,724 security personnel, and 50,000 supporting staff. To address medical emergencies, ASHA workers will be stationed at polling stations, equipped with first aid kits and other essential medical supplies, he added.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said: “All necessary security arrangements have been made and a total of 81,079 personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces, Punjab Police, and Home Guard Jawans from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have been deployed effectively in all the districts to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections.”
Punjab Police Nodal Officer (elections) MF Farooqui said that 55,039 personnel of the Punjab Police have been deployed across the state. “Quick Response Teams would be positioned for rapid intervention in case of disturbances. The whole state has been divided into 2,098 sectors, each headed by a sector in-charge assisted by a patrolling party consisting of one head constable and three constables. To enhance the communication between security personnel, 3496 additional wireless sets of 20 Watts and 8385 wireless walkie-talkie sets have been provided to the districts,” he added.
SEIZURE WORTH Rs 801.47-CR
Since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct until May 30, seizures worth Rs 801.47 crore have made in the state, including Rs 26.89 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 26.75 crore, narcotics valued at Rs 716.78 crore, freebies worth Rs 7.17 crore, and precious metals worth Rs 23.86 crore. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that as many as 351 Flying Squad Teams, 351 Static Surveillance Teams, and 348 Quick Reaction Teams are also on their toes to respond to any report regarding cash, liquor or drugs or untoward incident in the state.
