Chhattisgarh Phase-1 Elections: Robust Three-Layer Security Blanket in Naxal-Hit Bastar

In preparation for the Chhattisgarh assembly elections on November 7, the Naxal-infested Bastar region is set to witness a comprehensive three-tier security cordon encompassing over 600 polling stations. This multi-layered security cover has been meticulously orchestrated to ensure a smooth and secure voting process, announced the police authorities.

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In preparation for the Chhattisgarh assembly elections on November 7, the Naxal-infested Bastar region is set to witness a comprehensive three-tier security cordon encompassing over 600 polling stations. This multi-layered security cover has been meticulously orchestrated to ensure a smooth and secure voting process, announced the police authorities.

The security apparatus will comprise a formidable team of approximately 60,000 security personnel, meticulously divided into 40,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officers and 20,000 state police officers. Additionally, elite forces such as the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and women commandos will bolster the security presence.

To maximize security, 149 polling stations across five assembly constituencies within the Bastar division have been strategically relocated to the nearest police stations and security camps. Moreover, surveillance through drones and helicopters will help monitor Naxal activities, while specialized teams for bomb disposal and canine units will be on standby, as confirmed by the police.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P elucidated that a comprehensive security arrangement had been established for the Bastar division's assembly elections. This involves the deployment of central paramilitary forces, special units such as the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, Bastar Fighters, and CoBRA, and security forces from neighboring states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha to maintain border security.

Notably, more than 600 polling stations will be protected by a three-layered security cordon due to their location in sensitive Naxal-hit areas, while other polling stations will have appropriate security arrangements as per the Election Commission's criteria.

In a notable move, election officials are utilizing helicopters to transport electronic voting machines (EVMs) to over 156 remote polling stations.

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Furthermore, 149 polling stations in the Bijapur, Narayanpur, Antagarh, Dantewada, and Konta assembly constituencies have been relocated for security reasons, continuing the trend of relocation witnessed in previous elections.

The Naxalites' call to boycott the polls in the Bastar region has been met with heightened violence, as evidenced by the recent killing of a BJP leader in Narayanpur district during his campaign efforts.

The Bastar division will play a significant role in the upcoming elections, as 12 assembly seats out of the 20 constituencies participating in the first phase are located in this region. Voters in these seats will cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on November 7, while those in the remaining three seats will vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With 5,304 polling booths set up for the first phase, a total of 223 candidates, including 25 women, will compete for the votes of approximately 40,78,681 electors, comprising 19,93,937 males, 20,84,675 females, and 69 third-gender individuals. The security measures put in place are crucial to ensure a peaceful and democratic electoral process in this region with a history of Naxal-related disruptions.