BJP forms flying squad

Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 18

The city BJP has formed a flying squad that will keep an eye on untoward incidents and provide required material at polling booths in the city.

According to the party, it is a 15-member squad divided into three teams. As and when they will get a call on the hotline number regarding any requirement of material or in case there is a fight or malpractice at any of the polling booths, a vehicle stationed outside the party office, Kamalam, in Sector 33 will rush to take stock of the situation.

Besides, BJP’s Chunav Sanchalan Samiti will also have a hotline number. “If any voter has any issue with voting or is not able to find his/her name in the voters’ list, our workers at the booth will assist them. In case, workers are not able to assist the voter, they will call the hotline number,” said a party leader.

BJP media in-charge Ravinder Pathania said: “We have set up a control room at the party office. All our workers will work in coordination and there will be a central communication.”

BJP workers will be deployed at all 597 polling booths. According to their plan, they will first vote themselves early in the morning and then help people at the booths.

“We will get maximum votes polled in the name of PM Modi. All polling agents have been asked to reach the booths at 6 am. They will vote at 7 am and then they will be on duty to ensure maximum voting to the BJP outside the booths,” said a senior party leader.

Only 600 cops get polling authorisation slips

Though there will be about 3,000 cops on election duty, only 600 have got voting authorisation slips till now. Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Returning Officer, said: “We got request from about 500-600 policemen only.” SSP Nilambari Jagdale said: “It is up to the individual to apply. A total of 1,020 police personnel had applied for it. Others may be under the process.” Meanwhile, sources said this is due to a delay at end of election officials in starting the process of issuing the slips. Several cops are from other states, where voting was held in different phases. So, it created a problem. However, they can vote till May 21.

Three groups formed

The party has formed three groups comprising Sanjay Tandon, along with actor Anupam Kher, MP Kirron Kher and former MP Satya Pal Jain. “The groups will visit different booths to take stock of the proceedings. Their presence will also encourage the workers on the ground,” shared a party insider.