Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll: Poll preparation, security arrangements reviewed

Ahead of Lok Sabha bypoll scheduled to be held on May 10 here, Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO) Sibin C on Friday reviewed poll preparedness and arrangements besides giving directions to the civil and police administration for adequate arrangements for both polling and counting days.

Accompanied by special director general of police (DGP) and state police nodal officer for elections Ishwar Singh and additional CEO Vipul Ujjwal, the CEO sought information about the enforcement of model code of conduct, model polling stations, law and order issues, deposit arms license, availability of polling staff, transportation and communication plan and other arrangements under progress for smooth conduct of bypoll. Deputy commissioner Jaspreet Singh apprised that elaborate arrangements were being made to ensure smooth and fair bypoll.

While directing the police officers, special DGP Ishwar Singh underlined that strict vigil should be ensured to tackle any law and order situation besides getting deposition of arms license, keeping a check on proclaimed offenders, parole jumpers and troublemakers. He also pointed out that requisite security arrangements should also be put in place at polling stations and counting sites as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Commissioner of police Kuldeep Singh Chahal and SSP (Rural) Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar informed that more than nearly 90% arms had already been deposited. It was also stated that special nakas had been laid besides intensifying the patrolling so as to check the activities of anti-social elements. They also informed that the force deployment plan had also been prepared for all constituencies of the Lok Sabha to conduct free, fair and peaceful bypoll. The Statics Surveillance Teams and Flying Squads are working round the clock with a close watch on election related activities.

Deputy commissioner Jaspreet Singh said that there will be 45 model polling stations , nine ‘Women Only Polling Stations’ with one each assembly constituency and one PWD (people with disability) managed polling station in Jalandhar Central constituency.