All set for smooth conduct of rural elections, 885 candidates in fray in Ludhiana

As many as 12,45,275 voters will decide the fate of 885 candidates, who are in the fray for the 25 seats of zila parishad and 235 seats of block samiti on Sunday, when voting will be held in 1,639 polling booths from 8 am to 4 pm.

Divulging the details, District Election Officer Himanshu Jain stated that that there were a total 12,45,275 electors, including 6,62,498 male, 5,82,762 female, 15 others, etc., who would exercise their right to franchise in the poll. He mentioned that around 10,000 employees have been assigned duties for conducting the poll in a transparent manner, along with 1,639 polling parties, which had been dispatched to polling stations.

There would be a total of 1,639 polling booths, including 316 sensitive and 92 hyper-sensitive. A total 1,178 names were nominated for the elections, of which 32 were rejected. After withdrawal, there were 890 candidates remaining, of which five were elected unopposed. Now, 885 candidates remain in the fray.

He exhorted the entire election staff to perform their duties diligently so that voters could cast their votes smoothly and hassle-free. He stated that all of them had a huge responsibility on their shoulders to complete the whole exercise peacefully. He assured the polling parties of every kind of support in this process.

The District Election Officer also added that elaborate arrangements had been made to facilitate polling parties and voters in the polling booths. Jain encouraged voters to set a new record of turnout by coming out in massive numbers to cast their votes on polling day.

Fully prepared for the poll, claims Malerkotla admn

The administration here has claimed to have taken adequate measures for the smooth election of 10 zila parishads and three block samitis, polling for which is scheduled to take place at 257 polling booths on Sunday.

Rank and file in the police and civil administration has been cautioned against zero tolerance regarding safety and comfort of voters coming to polling booths for using their right to cast vote freely.

Deputy Commissioner Viraj S Tidkey and SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said adequate and proactive measures had been taken to ensure safety and comfort of all stakeholders, including voters, candidates and personnel facilitating smooth conduct of election for zila parishad and block samitis first time since the creation of Malerkotla district.

Appreciating coordinated efforts made by police officers posted at various police stations of the district in maintaining law and order during earlier phases of election process, the SSP claimed that enough proactive measures had been taken to ensure safety of all concerned during polling and return of polling parties to their respective centres.

“Besides making foolproof security arrangements at and around all polling booths we have deployed adequate number of patrolling parties to keep a close watch on activities of anti-social elements, if any,” said Gagan Ajit Singh, maintaining that cops had been advised to equip themselves with necessary gadgets and safety equipment according to the set protocol.

Residents, including candidates and their supporters, have been cautioned against allowing outsiders to stay at their places under the guise of guests.