1,630 polling booths in Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer T S Suranjan informed that elaborate polling and security arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha bypoll to be held on March 18.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, he said that 1,630 polling booths has been set up across the constituency. Of which 251 are considered as hyper sensitive including the polling centres in naxal infested areas. ABout 751 are considered as sensitive and 622 are normal.
He said there are 12.50 lakh voters in the constituency. Of which 6.1 lakh are male and 6.42 are female voters. About 97.68 percent voters have been issued with election photo identity cards.
Violation
As many as 77 teams have been constituted to keep strict vigilance over the cases related to violation of model code of conduct. As many as 19 cases have been booked under the violation of model code of conduct and 66 cases are booked under Excise Act.
As many as 31 persons have been arrested in connection with these two charges, he added.
As many 8,998 officials will be deployed for the bypoll. About 672 micro observers have been appointed. Election Commission has appointed four general observers. Besides one each expenditure and police observers has been appointed.
About 7,000 police personnel including Central Para Military Force will be deployed for security purpose. About, 5,000 police and 750 from KSRP and 300 police personnel from DAR will be deployed for maintaining law and order during the election. As many as 240 videographers are being appointed to videograph the polling process, he added.
Service of CSF
Chief Electoral Officer informed that for the first time, service of Coastal Security Force will be used. As many as five CSF check posts will be set up. About 86 check posts will be set up to handle multiple tasks. Of which 42 will be set up in Chikmagalur.
All political parties have been asked to not to enter the polling booths.
They can put up a chair and table of the size as directed in norms issued by Election Commission outside 200 metre radius of the polling booth, he added.
Nearly 73 percent of voters slips issued by EC have been distributed in the constituency.
Voters can produce alternative documents suggested by the Election Commission, if they do not have photo identity cards. About 177 sectoral officers were appointed.
Dry days will come into force from March 16 at 5 pm.
