Assam Police Up Vigil As Countdown Begins For Counting Of Votes

Sufficient bandobast has been made with deployment of police personnel in counting centres in all the constituencies of the State

• May 1, 2021 ND24 Web Desk

  Assam Police Up Vigil As Countdown Begins For Counting Of Votes

  Assam Police Up Vigil As Countdown Begins For Counting Of Votes

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by Assam Police for the counting of votes of the State assembly elections on May 2.

Sufficient bandobast has been made with deployment of police personnel in counting centres in all the constituencies of the State for the smooth and peaceful counting of votes.

Assam DGP, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta took to Twitter to share about the security arrangements for the counting day. He wrote, “Discussed issues pertaining to enforcement of #CovidProtocols for public safety in the Office of the Commissioner, Guwahati. Also reviewed the arrangements for Counting Day for Assembly election, following all norms spelt out by the Election Commission of India.”

Mahanta also stated that he along with senior officials held a video conference with SsP and SDPOs of all districts to brainstorm about arrangements for conducting a safe and peaceful counting on May 2. “A Covid compliant road map was shared with all the District SsP during the conference,” he added.

The DGP also appealed to all leaders and members of political parties to adhere to the guidelines by ECI regarding the ban on celebration, victory march, etc. on May 2.

He said, "At this critical hour, saving the society and the people from this cruel surge of #Covid19 ought to be our top priority."

Assam Special DGP, Lr Bishnoi also took to Twitter to share about the security arrangements at counting centres in Baksa. He wrote, “As the date of counting inches closer, the concern of strong room/ area security is taking precedence! Comprehensively reviewed the security arrangements at counting centres with DC & SP, Baksa. We are committed to making the situation most secure.”

The counting of votes will start from 8 am tomorrow with postal ballots and this time, 1.90 lakh postal ballots have been received so far.

It may be mentioned, in adherence to the ECI’s broad Covid-19 guidelines, neither counting agents nor counting officials will be allowed to enter the counting halls without a Covid-19 negative report. There will be a thermal test at the entry gate, social distancing and other Covid-appropriate behaviour are to be maintained in the counting halls.

The ECI has also banned victory processions and rallies on or after the counting of votes. It has barred over two people from accompanying winning candidates for receiving their election certificates.

The election was held in three phases starting from March 27 to April 6 to elect 126 MLAs to the 15^th Assam Legislative Assembly.  

In the first phase, 47 constituencies went to polls and 264 candidates were in the fray, in the second phase, 345 candidates were in the fray for 39 seats and 40 constituencies went to polls in the third phase with 337 candidates.