Poll officials, EVMs dispatched to booths
The stage is all set in Karnal and Kaithal districts for Assembly elections to be held on Saturday in nine Assembly segments — Karnal, Nilokheri, Assandh, Indri and Gharaunda of Karnal district and Kaithal, Pundri, Guhla and Kalayat of Kaithal district.
After assigning the EVMs and centres, polling parties have been sent to their respective stations this afternoon from both the district headquarters. The distribution process was conducted under the supervision of the respective Returning Officers, who emphasised the importance of ensuring smooth and transparent polling. Each polling party, consisting of presiding officers and supporting staff, received a thorough briefing on their responsibilities and the correct handling of the EVMs.
The polling staff members were directed to adhere strictly to the election guidelines, maintain the security of the EVMs and ensure that the machines are tested properly before use. They were also instructed to stay vigilant about any technical issues or irregularities during the voting process and to resolve them promptly through appropriate channels.
As many as 12,03,495 persons are eligible to cast their vote at 1,181 polling booths of all five Assembly segments of Karnal districts. They include 2,33,507 voters in Nilokheri, 218716 in Indri, 2,66,616 in Karnal, 2,42,271 in Gharaunda, 2,42,385 in Assandh, said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Karnal.
As many as 55 candidates are in fray from all five segments of Karnal district — 12 from Karnal, 15 from Nilokheri, 14 from Assandh, eight from Gharaunda and six from Indri, he added.
Similarly, as many as 8,24,408 voters will elect four MLAs out of 53 candidates for four seats of Kaithal district. Guhla Assembly segment has 1,92,708 voters, Kalayat segment 2,15,129 voters, Kaithal 2,23,449 and Pundri has 1,93,122 voters. Out of the total 53 candidates, 12 are contesting in Kaithal segment, 9 in Guhla Assembly segment, 14 in Kalayat and 18 in Pundri segment, said Vivek Bharti, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Kaithal, adding that there were 807 polling booths at these four segments -199 at Guhla, 209 at Kalayat, 215 at Kaithal and 184 at Pundri.
“We have made all preparations for the elections. Polling parties with EVMs have been sent to their polling stations,” said Uttam Singh.
About the election booths, he said supporters may set up their election booths only outside a radius of 200 meters. Each booth can have only one table and two chairs and a tent.
DC Karnal Uttam Singh said that they had beefed up security arrangements ahead of elections. No one would be allowed to violate the law.
Nearly, 3,000 police personnel and 12 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across the five segments of the district, he added.
Superintendent of Police, Kaithal, Rajesh Kalia interacted with police personnel and paramilitary forces, directing them to ensure smooth elections. Around 3,200 police personnel, nine companies of paramilitary forces, one company each of Haryana Police Academy and Punjab Police Home Guards have been deployed across the district.
Karnal Superintendent of Police Mohit Handa said they have made all security arrangements in compliance with the Election Commission's guidelines to ensure peaceful voting on the election day. As many as 86 patrolling parties have been constituted, he added. Special instructions have been given to personnel stationed in emergency response vehicles (ERVs) to respond swiftly to any election-related complaints, he said. The SP also shared that all mobile teams have been linked to a wireless communication system to ensure rapid response, with a target of reaching any booth within 8 to 10 minutes. A dedicated team has been set up in the district police office's cyber branch to monitor social media.
He assured the people of Karnal that the Police Department was fully prepared to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections, urging all voters to exercise their rights without fear.
