Over 1 Lakh Security Personnel Tasked With Ensuring Peaceful Voting In Rajasthan Election — Details

Rajasthan Election Voting 2023: A total of 1,02,290 security personnel have been strategically deployed across the state to ensure peaceful voting in the high-stakes election.

CRPF personnel prepare to leave for poll duty on the eve of voting for Rajasthan Assembly elections, in Bikaner, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

Source : PTI

As Rajasthan heads to the polls on Saturday to elect members of a new assembly, stringent security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth conduct of elections and maintain law and order. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is challenging the incumbent Congress party in a high-stakes battle. A total of 1,02,290 security personnel have been strategically deployed across the state. This includes 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard, and RAC (Rajasthan Armed Constabulary) personnel, news agency PTI reported.

In addition to local forces, 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been stationed to assist in maintaining peace and order during the electoral process.

To ensure intensive checking and monitoring on the voting day, three flying squads and an equal number of Static Surveillance Teams (SST) will be deployed in each assembly constituency. An additional flying squad and SST will be stationed in expenditure-sensitive polling stations, according to PTI.

Security arrangements along the 4,850 km-long interstate border with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab have been tightened. Check posts along the border will conduct sealing and checking actions to prevent the entry of unwanted elements.

To maintain a close watch on the proceedings and address issues promptly, 6,287 micro observers and 6,247 sector officers have been appointed, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta informed, as per PTI. These officers will continuously coordinate with the polling parties.

Each sector officer will be equipped with an additional Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), ensuring immediate action for repair or replacement if any defects are reported.

Rajasthan Election Voting 2023: Dedicated Forces for Vulnerable Groups

Special provisions have been made to ensure the smooth participation of vulnerable groups. There will be 7,960 women polling personnel managing women-only polling stations, and 796 disabled polling personnel at disabled-managed polling stations. Wheelchairs have been arranged at all polling booths for the convenience of disabled people and voters above 80 years of age, PTI reported.

Live webcasting will be conducted at 26,393 polling stations, and these will be monitored from the district-level control room. This enables real-time oversight and immediate response to any emerging situations.

Sealing and checking actions will be conducted at checkpoints along the interstate border, preventing the entry of unauthorized elements and ensuring the integrity of the election process.

At each polling station, at least three Quick Response Teams will be available to address any unforeseen situations promptly.

These comprehensive security measures aim to create a secure environment for the people of Rajasthan to exercise their democratic right to vote. 

Voting will begin from 7 am and go on till 6 pm in 199 out of 200 constituencies. The polling in Sriganganagar's Karanpur seat has been cancelled due to the demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar, who was also the sitting MLA.