‘1.25 lakh staffers, 1 lakh cops deployed to ensure free and fair polls in Punjab’

CHANDIGARH: The Election Commission (EC) has made elaborate arrangements to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in Punjab. Over 1.25 lakh employees and over 1 lakh police officials have been pressed into service for the smooth conduct of election on 13 parliamentary constituencies.


Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO) S Karuna Raju said that over 2,07,81,211 electorate would decide the fate of 278 candidates in 13 constituencies. Raju said that 23,213 polling stations have been established and 42,689 ballet units, 28,703 VVPAT are being used in this election.

He said that 3,94,780 first time voters would exercise their right of franchise and all district administrations are taking adequate steps to motivate first time voters.

Sharing details of security arrangements, the CEO said that over 1 lakh police personnel would be deployed throughout the state and police parties would conduct thorough search to check the flow of liquor, narcotics and money.

The CEO said that all DCs and SSPs were on their toes to check the incidents of distribution of liquor, narcotics and money for inducing the voters and raids would be conducted immediately on receiving information or complaints.

Punjab’s chief electoral officer has issued 59 notices for noise pollution in state between May 9 and May 15. A total of 101 notices have been issued since enforcement of model code of conduct.