Ludhiana West gears up for by-election security

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C held a video conference meeting on Monday to review the arrangements for the by-election to the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Himanshu Jain, Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma, and Returning Officer Rupinder Pal Singh.

During the meeting, the CEO instructed the district officials to exercise heightened vigilance in the final phase of the election process. He emphasized strict surveillance during the last 72, 48, and 24 hours before polling, and until the election process concludes.

Sibin C directed that all outsiders, including political leaders, must vacate the constituency area after the election campaign ends at 6 PM on June 17. He also emphasized strengthening 24x7 surveillance through CCTV to curb illegal distribution or smuggling of liquor, cash, drugs, or other inducements.

The CEO directed that strict action should be taken immediately upon receiving any complaint regarding attempts to influence voters through cash or freebies distribution.

In view of the hot weather, the Chief Electoral Officer instructed officials to ensure adequate facilities for voters at polling stations, including drinking water, 'chhabil', waiting areas, toilets, and sheds. He also urged that voters be encouraged to follow COVID-19 advisory guidelines issued by the Health Department.

Sibin C also reviewed the live webcasting of 100% polling stations for real-time monitoring and took stock of arrangements at polling booths, strong rooms, counting halls, and medical facilities. He directed that any violation of the Model Code of Conduct be dealt with promptly as per the Election Commission's guidelines.

The DC-cum-District Election Officer and Police Commissioner assured the CEO that all preparations for the by-election are complete and the election process will be conducted smoothly in accordance with Election Commission guidelines. They further assured that all directives given in the meeting would be implemented in a timely manner.

The meeting was also attended by Additional CEO Harish Nayar, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala, and other senior officials from the CEO office.

Key Statistics of Voters and Polling Booths:

Sibin C informed us that the total number of registered voters in the Ludhiana West constituency is 1,74,437, comprising 89,602 male voters, 84,825 female voters, and 10 third-gender voters.

For the by-election, a total of 194 polling booths have been set up at 66 locations. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women-managed booth, one eco-friendly "green" booth, and one booth operated by PWD staff. Additionally, 13 booths have been declared critical, where paramilitary forces will be deployed.

To facilitate senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and voters with medical issues, home voting was conducted, and a total of 239 voters participated in this initiative.

The CEO stated that voting will take place on June 19 from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and counting of votes will begin at 8:00 AM on June 23 at Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, which has been designated as the counting center.

He added that security checkpoints have been established at 54 locations across the constituency, and all activities are being closely monitored by the security forces.