Polling for zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections to be held at 3,047 stations

Kolhapur: Voting for the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections scheduled for Feb 7 will be held at 3,047 polling stations in the district."All these polling stations have been inspected. The administration has decided to provide the necessary facilities to ensure that the voters do not face any inconvenience. Preparations for the elections are also underway at the administrative level," an official from zilla parishad said.The number of polling stations with fewer than 500 voters is 206, and these are primarily located in remote areas. Those with more than 900 voters are 1,488 and, considering the possibility of a rush, additional polling staff and security arrangements have been planned there, officials said.Besides, there are 114 centres with 500-600 voters, 195 with 601-700 voters, 248 with 701-800 voters, and 284 with 801-900 voters. Karvir taluka tops the chart with 473 polling stations, while Gaganbawda taluka is at the bottom with 55 centres. "Special emphasis has been given on drinking water, toilets, separate facilities for the disabled and senior citizens, and lighting at polling stations. Also, additional police force will be deployed at sensitive and highly sensitive centres. Teams have been formed to effectively implement the model code of conduct, and the administration is ready to curb irregularities," another official said. A case of violation of the model code of conduct was registered at the Bhudargad police station on Friday evening after a flying squad found banners erected in Kur village without permission from the election department.Bhudargad sub-divisional officer and returning officer, Harish Sool, said, "It is mandatory to obtain permission for public meetings, corner meetings, flags, flexes, campaign vehicles, campaign offices, and related matters. A case will be registered against the person concerned as soon as it is noticed that campaigning is being carried out without permission. Also, it is necessary to ensure public space is not defaced while placing campaign materials. Flying squads were formed for the proper implementation of the code of conduct."