Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C, in a high-level review meeting ahead of the by-election in Ludhiana West assembly constituency on Monday, directed senior district officials to implement strict surveillance during the final 72, 48, and 24 hours before voting, calling it a crucial window to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure free and fair polls.
The CEO, chairing a video conference with Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Himanshu Jain, Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, and Returning Officer Rupinder Pal Singh, instructed that all outsiders, including political leaders and campaigners, must vacate the constituency by 6 pm on June 17, when the election campaign formally ends.
Emphasizing intensified monitoring, Sibin C directed the deployment of 24x7 CCTV surveillance, especially in vulnerable areas, to check illegal distribution of liquor, cash, drugs, or other inducements. He said that any complaints of voter influence must be addressed swiftly, with strict action taken against violators of the Model Code of Conduct.
In view of the ongoing heatwave, the CEO ordered all polling stations to be equipped with drinking water, waiting areas with shade, clean toilets, and 'chhabils' (refreshment kiosks). He also urged officials to promote adherence to basic COVID-19 advisories issued by the Health Department, especially for vulnerable voters.
Sibin C reviewed webcasting arrangements at all 194 polling stations, ensuring live monitoring on the day of voting. He also assessed preparedness at polling booths, strong rooms, counting halls, and availability of medical facilities.
The Ludhiana West constituency has 1,74,437 registered voters, including 89,602 male, 84,825 female, and 10 third-gender voters. Voting will take place on June 19 from 7 am to 6 pm, while counting of votes is scheduled for June 23 at Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana.
To promote inclusive and model polling practices, the administration has set up 10 model polling booths, one all-women booth, one eco-friendly “green” booth, and one booth managed by PWD staff. Thirteen polling stations have been declared critical, with paramilitary forces to be deployed for added security.
To ease the voting process for elderly, disabled, and medically vulnerable citizens, 239 voters have already cast their votes via home voting.
The Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner assured the CEO that all directives would be implemented in a time-bound and effective manner. Security checkpoints have been set up at 54 locations across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling.
Strict Restrictions Imposed to Ensure Free and Fair Ludhiana West Bypoll
With the Ludhiana West by-election set for June 19, election authorities have announced stringent restrictions to prevent external interference and ensure a transparent voting process.
General Observer Rajeev Kumar (IAS), Police Observer Surinder Pal (IPS), Expenditure Observer Indana Ashok Kumar (IRS), and District Election Officer Himanshu Jain have jointly declared that from 6 pm on June 17 till polling concludes on June 19, all individuals not registered voters in the Ludhiana West assembly constituency must vacate the area. This includes political leaders, campaigners, and outsiders.
Authorities have ordered all accommodations — hotels, guest houses, hostels, PGs, inns, community halls — within the constituency to deny stay to outsiders, especially those from other districts or states. Strict surveillance will be carried out by the Ludhiana Police, Excise and Taxation Department, and Food and Civil Supplies Department, who will verify guest lists, inspect marriage halls, and check vehicles at border checkpoints.
The District Election Officer stressed that political parties, candidates, and agents must be notified of these measures, and public announcements will be made to ensure awareness.
To bolster enforcement, Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, and Excise officials will intensify monitoring during the final 72 hours. EVMs will be transported under CAPF protection in GPS-fitted vehicles. 66 micro-observers will monitor polling stations, and opinion or exit polls will be prohibited 48 hours prior to voting.
Dry Day Declared from Jun 17 to 19 in Ludhiana West
To ensure peaceful and fair conduct of the Ludhiana West by-election, District Election Officer Himanshu Jain has declared a dry day from June 17 (6 pm) to June 19 (6 pm) in the 64-Ludhiana West assembly constituency and its three-kilometre adjoining area.
All country and foreign liquor vends, hotels, restaurants, clubs, and bars — irrespective of their license categories — have been strictly prohibited from selling, storing, or serving liquor during this period.
The orders apply to every establishment within the revenue limits of Ludhiana West and its adjoining three-km belt. Jain emphasized that no distribution, sale, or consumption of liquor will be permitted, and any violation will attract action. All concerned authorities have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the directive to maintain law and order during the election process.