Election Commission Deploys Full Force In Tamil Nadu, 300 Paramilitary Companies Guard Polling

West Bengal: The atmosphere of assembly elections is at its peak in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. While voting is to be held in many districts under the first phase in Bengal on Thursday, voting is being conducted simultaneously on all the seats in Tamil Nadu. Security and arrangements regarding elections have been kept very strict in both the states so that the voting process can be completed peacefully.

In which areas the first phase of voting taking place in Bengal?

In the first phase in West Bengal, voting is being held on 152 seats in a total of 16 districts. It includes the districts of North Bengal, South Bengal and Jangalmahal region. To make the elections fair, strict monitoring is being done at every level so that no irregularities take place.

What special security arrangements have been made?

This time the administration has not shown any laxity regarding security. More than 2,400 companies of central forces have been deployed. Additional security has been maintained in many sensitive districts, especially in Purba Medinipur where the maximum force is deployed.

Central forces will keep vigil for 100 meters around the polling stations and four soldiers have been deployed at every booth. Apart from this, thousands of quick response teams have also been kept ready, which can reach immediately in case there is any emergency.

What steps have been taken to make the voting process transparent?

The identity of voters will be checked at two levels. First the central force will check the identity card outside, then the booth officer will do the verification inside.

Also, this time webcasting arrangements have been made at all the polling stations so that every activity can be monitored. The Election Commission has made it clear that if any tampering with EVMs is found, strict action will be taken and if necessary, re-polling can be conducted.

What special instructions have been given to the officers?

It has been made mandatory to thoroughly check EVM machines before the start of voting. If any technical problem or glitch comes to light, instructions have been given to inform senior officials immediately. This can avoid any kind of problem during voting.

Is the third front making the contest interesting?

This time a new twist is also being seen in the elections. With the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay's party into the fray, a situation of triangular contest may arise in many seats. This is also expected to change the traditional vote equation.

Overall, the election environment in both states remains extremely sensitive and important. Amidst tight security arrangements and strict surveillance, it will be interesting to see whom the public supports and in whose favor the picture of power is formed.