State Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said that in view of the post-poll riots and attacks in the state, 20 battalions of paramilitary forces are being brought to the state to prevent riots from happening after the counting of votes. He inspected the strong rooms and counting centers set up in Nagarjuna University, Guntur on Monday.
The officials were asked about the facilities available to the officers, staff and agents attending the counting. He said that three-pronged security arrangements are being made at the counting centers. CC cameras have been installed at the strong rooms. Candidates and agents have been given the opportunity to physically inspect the strong rooms twice, he said.
He revealed that the situation in Palnadu is under control and appropriate measures have been taken against the clashes after the polling. He said that measures are being taken to ensure that no untoward incident takes place on the day of counting of votes. He said that counting day is considered a dry day.
Meena said that necessary security measures are being taken for the smooth counting process. Section 144 will be in force throughout the state on the day of counting of votes. He said that all measures are already being taken to identify the problem areas and control the suspects and old criminals.
Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has directed to complete the necessary arrangements in advance to conduct the counting process successfully. On Monday, he held a video conference with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singhsandhu with the CEOs of the states, the ROs of the respective constituencies and the election officers of the districts where the elections were held in five phases.
On this occasion, he said that the election results should be completed as soon as possible without any delay. At the same time, the guidelines of the ECI should also be fully followed. He congratulated the officials for conducting the polling process successfully. With the same spirit, they want to make the vote counting program on June 4 a success.
On the day of counting of votes, he advised them to be vigilant about security at the strong rooms where the EVMs are kept. He said that those without passes should not be allowed under any circumstances and steps should be taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Power back-up, fire safety equipment should be kept ready and ambulances should also be made available to provide emergency health services.
