Security measures have been bolstered up in Gujarat to ensure a democratic and uneventful voting on May 7 for both Lok Sabha and bye elections.

Due to the ongoing Rupala controversy and the reactive Kshatriya protests to that, the authorities are amping up security measures by identifying sensitive zones to deploy police teams and tighten the surveillance in those areas.

Gujarat police initiated a survey to identify the zones that may require police deployment on the election day.

An update was sought from all district collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) regarding the areas where the Kshatriya agitation may have an impact on the impartial, fair, and fearless election process.

Reportedly, the Election Commission has also sought information on the villages and regions where the royal movement can impact the elections.

 Sources say that the information bureau and police have been deployed to analyse the changing situation of the agitation and whether it can affect free and fair voting.

Election day security

On the election day, there will be ‘no-entry’ zones around 100 metres of polling booths. The authorities will deter any attempts of mob gathering near polling booths.

Drones and CCTV cameras will be used for tight surveillance by Gujarat police.

If necessary, preparations may be made to seek the deployment of additional police, the state reserve police force (SRPF), and paramilitary forces during the voting.

Police personnel on the patrolling team will be equipped with body-worn cameras. Interceptor vans and other police vehicles will be deployed for surveillance on election day.

Gujarat police deployment for Lok Sabha elections

A total of 180 companies of security forces are set to be deployed across the state on May 7.

Over one lakh security personnel from the Gujarat police, home guards, GRD police (GRD), and forest department security personnel will be deployed in the election security arrangements.

5,000 home guards will be called from Rajasthan. The deployment may increase or decrease based on the reviews conducted from time to time.

“Currently, the review process is ongoing, and adequate security arrangements will be made based on the requirements,” said the state director general of police (DGP), Vikas Shahay.

The Gujarat police department is fully prepared for the upcoming elections in Gujarat for 26 Lok Sabha seats and five assembly seats.

Voting will take place at 50,500 polling booths in 29,500 buildings. On the day of polling, a total of over one lakh police personnel, home guards, and security personnel will be deployed. Around 30,000 police and security personnel will be kept on standby for other daily police tasks and to rush to essential locations.

In numbers: election security measures in Gujarat

26: Lok Sabha seats

5: Assembly seats

29,500: Buildings

50,500: Polling booths

13,000: Jawans of the wing, BSF, CRPF, and SRP

48,000: Gujarat police personnel

64,000: Home guards, SRD, GRD, and forest department personnel

DGP Sahay stated that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure free, fair, and fearless elections according to the instructions of the Election Commission.

Also read:

Guj govt in damage-control mode amid Kshatriya campaign against Rupala