AHEAD of the first phase of Chhattisgarh State Assembly Elections-2023, comprehensive security arrangements have been meticulously planned and implemented to ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral process. A multi-tiered security strategy is in place, involving various Central paramilitary forces and specialised units such as DRG, STF, COBRA and Bastar Fighters. Furthermore, Special Forces from neighbouring states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha will collaborate in handling the security aspects, especially in areas sensitive to Naxal activities. Over 600 polling stations will be encompassed by a three-tier security cordon. Besides, polling stations selected based on Election Commission criteria will receive security support from central paramilitary forces and local police.

 

Notably, more than 35 polling stations will benefit from the protection of women commandos, ensuring a safer electoral environment. Surveillance will be enhanced through the use of drones and helicopters to monitor Maoist activities. To further bolster security, bomb disposal teams and dog squads will be strategically deployed. In remote interior areas, teams will be transported to over 156 polling stations via helicopters. For security reasons, a total of 149 polling stations in Bijapur, Narayanpur, Antagarh, Dantewada and Konta Assembly constituencies have been relocated to the nearest police stations and security camps. This move is to safeguard the election process and minimise potential threats.

 

It is worth mentioning here that in the 2018 Assembly elections, 196 polling stations were relocated, and 330 polling stations were shifted during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2023 elections, over 126 new polling stations have been established. Notably, 40 polling stations, including Minpa, Galgam, Silger, Chandameta, have been re-established in their original villages, reflecting a positive and safe environment. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, Sunderraj P, emphasized that the banned outfit was attempting to disrupt the election process due to frustration with the changing landscape in Bastar. This behaviour reflects their anti-democratic stance. However, the people of Bastar, along with local authorities and security forces, are determined to strengthen the democratic system and promote peace, security, and development in the region. IG assured the citizens of Bastar that all necessary security measures are in place for the election process. He urged voters to fulfill their constitutional duty by visiting polling booths without fear or intimidation, ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral event. According to official sources, an extensive security force comprising around 60,000 personnel has been mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of polls in the Bastar division. This security contingent comprises 40,000 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 20,000 from the State police. The security deployment includes the elite anti-Naxal CoBRA unit and a squad of women commandos, said the police sources. Special arrangements have been made at 12 sensitive seats in the Bastar region, where polling is scheduled to take place on November 7.