Vote counting today, results by afternoon

Ludhiana: Election authorities have finalised all arrangements for the counting of votes across six municipal councils in the district, scheduled to begin at 8 am on Friday. Because voting was conducted via ballot papers, officials expect the final results to emerge by the afternoon.ADC Dr Narinder Singh Dhaliwal confirmed that 60 counting tables have been set up across six dedicated centers, featuring 14 tables at larger venues and six at smaller ones. Each table will be managed by a three-member team, backed by a 20% staff reserve, with two micro-observers stationed at each center. The final randomisation of the counting staff will take place Friday morning before the observer.In Jagraon, returning officer Ravi Chopra stated that counting will span four rounds across 14 tables, each staffed by a counting supervisor and three assistants. Strong rooms will open at 7.30 am in the presence of the candidates, and a protective mesh has been installed at the venues to allow counting agents to safely view the process.A total of 451 candidates are competing across 108 polled wards.To ensure a peaceful process, Khanna SSP Darpan Ahluwalia announced the deployment of 410 police personnel under the supervision of two SPs and nine DSPs. In compliance with the state election commission, a 200-meter no-vehicle zone has been established around counting venues, restricting entry strictly to candidates and authorized agents with valid ID cards.Additionally, Section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed by the Ludhiana DC to prohibit public gatherings of five or more people outside the designated zones. Law enforcement is also actively conducting CCTV surveillance inside and outside the halls, alongside strict social media monitoring, while officials have urged the public to maintain peace.