Chandigarh, November 7:
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C today held a video conference with district officials to review the final phase of preparations for the Tarn Taran bye-election, scheduled for November 11. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Rahul, SSP Dr. Ravjot Grewal, and Returning Officer Gurmeet Singh.
During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to remain on high alert during the crucial 72, 48, and 24 hours before polling and until the completion of the entire election process. He directed that any complaints related to the distribution of cash, liquor, or freebies to influence voters be dealt with strictly and promptly. Sibin C further emphasized that after the conclusion of the election campaign at 6 PM on November 9, no outsiders associated with political parties should remain within the constituency.
The CEO also ordered that 100% live webcasting of polling stations be ensured for real-time monitoring. He instructed officials to make adequate arrangements at polling booths, strong rooms, and counting hall to ensure a smooth and secure polling experience for both voters and election staff. Any violations of the Model Code of Conduct must be addressed swiftly as per the guidelines of the Election Commission, he added.
Sibin C directed police authorities to maintain round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV monitoring and patrolling teams at checkpoints to curb the illegal movement of liquor, cash, drugs, or other prohibited materials.
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and SSP apprised the CEO that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election had been completed and that the election would be conducted in full compliance with the Commission’s guidelines and rules.
The District Election Officer informed that a total of 222 polling booths have been set up at 114 locations across the constituency, 60 in urban areas and 162 in rural areas. Of these, 100 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable, where special security measures as per deployment plan approved by Observers of ECI will be enforced. Additionally, 9 model polling stations, 3 women-managed polling booths, 1 booth for persons with disabilities, and 1 booth for young voters have been established. All polling stations are equipped with CCTV cameras and covered under 100% live webcasting. All the All Polling locations to have Central Armed Police Force deployment.
The SSP informed that as per the Election Commission’s instructions, a “dry day” has been declared from 6 PM on November 9 to 6 PM on November 11. Police and Excise Department teams have been deployed to keep strict vigil on any illegal liquor movement. To strengthen security arrangements, 768 personnel from CAPF and 876 from Punjab Police have been deployed. All 114 Polling locations to have 480 Central Armed Police Force deployment.
Six inter-district checkpoints have been set up along the borders of Tarn Taran constituency to prevent illegal activities and monitor anti-social elements.
Moreover, 22 patrolling parties will carry out intensive patrolling in areas of all polling locations specially the vulnerable and critical to deal with any kind of emergency situation during the 72 hours preceding the election.
The Tarn Taran constituency has a total of 1,92,838 voters, including 1,00,933 male, 91,897 female, and 8 third-gender voters. The total number of service voters is 1,357, while there are 1,657 voters above 85 years of age, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. The constituency also includes 3,333 young voters aged between 18 and 19 years.
The review meeting was also attended by Additional CEO Amandeep Bansal, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, and other senior officials from the CEO office and the Tarn Taran district administration.
