Security arrangements have been tightened up in Balaghat and other adjoining areas. Of out nine of constituencies, seven are for general and two including Mandla and Shahdol reserved for scheduled tribes, officials of the State Election office said.
Security will be tightened in all nine constituencies. Helicopters will be pressed into service for surveillance in Naxal-affected Balaghat district. Police and polling staff will use state-of-the-art information technology for communication, they said.
Inter-State borders have been fortified and strict vigil is being maintained there. Police observer will undertake intense rounds in Balaghat. In the nine constituencies, 107 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), 48 of Special Armed Forces (SAF), 1912 police officers, 13,533 head constables/constables, 8,936 home guards and 16,591 special police officers (SPOs) will be deployed.
Directives have also been given to States adjoining these constituencies to be alert. Borders with other states have been sealed. Transportation to and from other states is being keenly monitored to prevent illicit transport of liquor, cash etc. Flying squads, SST and QRTs (Quick Response Teams) have also intensified their activities.
Polling would be conducted in these constituencies barring Balaghat’s Paraswada, lanji and Baihar from 7 am to 6 pm. The schedule was extended by an hour compared to previous elections in order to enhance voting percentage. However, polling would be held between 7 am and 4 pm in Naxalism-affected Paraswada, lanji and Baihar.
The police headquarters have issued special directives to the officials in the districts where polling is scheduled on Thursday. The officials have been asked to take immediate action on any incident reported during election.