More than 2 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the Aravakurichi by-poll as the stage is set for polling on Sunday.
As many as 250 polling booths have been set up in the constituency, out of which 29 have been identified as ‘vulnerable,’ based on incidents recorded during the previous elections. “Everything is in place to ensure free and fair poll in the constituency. We have made detailed security arrangements to conduct the election peacefully,” said K. Meenatchi, Returning Officer, Aravakurichi constituency.
With 63 candidates in the fray, 1,000 ballot units would be used. Ms. Meenatchi said the polling would begin at 7 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The constituency had been divided into 22 zones to reduce response time in addressing complaints. Arrangements had been made for webcast of polling from 140 booths. Micro observers had been appointed for all the 250 booths.
District Election Officer and Collector T. Anbalagan said 1,622 police personnel had been deployed in various parts of the constituency. Of them, 192 were Central Armed Police Personnel. They would be stationed in sensitive booths and sensitive locations. In addition to this, 500 Home Guards had been drafted for security duty.
As many as 105 election-related complaints had been received so far from Aravakurichi constituency. All of them had been attended to. Seven cases were registered so far. A sum of ₹4.5 lakh and 70 liquor bottles had been seized from various places of the constituency.
Mr. Anbalagan said the polling materials had reached the polling stations, and officials had also reported for duty at their respective polling booths.
