ECI keeps watch, bolsters security in sensitive areas

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India was keeping a close watch on constituencies which are sensitive to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

Among the constituencies being monitored closely are Manthani and Ibrahimpatnam, where violence has been reported during campaigning, as well as Bodhan, Nampally and a few other constituencies. Telangana chief electoral officer (CEO) Vikas Raj said that orders have been issued to district election officers, commissioners of police and SPs to assess constituencies where the contest is tight and increase vigil to avert problems .

The CEO also said that around 40,000 Telangana police and another 25,000 from neighbouring states are on election duty. In addition, 300 companies of central police forces are being deployed in various places as an additional precaution in locations with more than one polling station, he said.

Six MP ministers constituencies see dip in voting compared to 2018

The overall voter turnout in the Bhopal assembly election increased by 2.1% compared to 2018, reaching a voting percentage of 77.15%. However, there are around 50 assembly seats where the voter turnout slightly dipped, including constituencies with six sitting ministers as BJP candidates. Notable constituencies with decreased turnout include Khurai, Mhow, Barwani, Badnawar, Amarpatan, and Malhargarh. Despite the dip, some seats still had higher turnout in previous elections, such as Khurai with 79.64% in 2023 compared to 81.25% in 2018.

“Traditionally, Telangana elections are peaceful. We have the situation under control. People can come to vote without fear,” said Vikas Raj. So far, police have booked 10,106 FIRs regarding liquor, drug and cash seizures. Around 777 FIRs relate to Model Code of Conduct violations.

Six constituencies, Medchal, Quthbullapur, LB Nagar, Maheswaram. Rajendranagar and Serilingampally, have more than 500 polling stations and will have double the counting tables.

Park on JLN Marg a major issue for Malviya Nagar constituency

The forthcoming assembly election in Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency has been focused on a small green space opposite the World Trade Park on JLN Marg. More than 4,000 voters from adjacent colonies are involved in a legal dispute with the state government over the Jaipur Development Authority's decision to hand over the park to a private firm for a private hospital. The sitting MLA and BJP candidate, Kalicharan Saraf, promised to revoke the JDA's decision if elected. Locals fear that both the Congress and BJP governments may continue with the earlier decision.

“Counting will be on December 3 at 49 locations. Each constituency will have 14 tables, and the six constituencies will have 28 tables,” the CEO said.

“Every constituency will have a distribution and reception centre. Polling parties will start moving there as per schedule,” the CEO said, adding that vehicles carrying EVMs would have GPS and they would be tracked all along the way.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: Women outvote men in 50 constituencies, leaving political parties guessing

Women in Chhattisgarh have emerged as the driving force behind the democratic pulse, outvoting men in 50 constituencies during the state assembly elections. A staggering 7,812,631 females exercised their democratic rights, outnumbering their male counterparts. Political parties recognized the pivotal role of female voters and made promises aimed at women's welfare. The BJP pledged grants and subsidies, while the Congress promised subsidies and additional grants. The emphasis on women-centric policies reflects the growing significance of the female electorate.

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