Chennai, April 22. Extensive security preparations have been made for the state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, scheduled for tomorrow. In this major festival of democracy, 5.73 crore voters will participate.
A total of 4,618 candidates, including those from political parties and independents, are contesting in this election. The campaign period ended on Tuesday at 6 PM. Approximately 75,032 polling stations have been set up across Tamil Nadu. Among these, 5,938 polling stations at 3,022 locations have been declared sensitive.
Armed paramilitary forces and the Tamil Nadu Special Police Force have been deployed at these centers to prevent any untoward incidents.
On polling day, around 1.47 lakh security personnel, including police, paramilitary forces, fire department, prison department, forest department, home guards, and retired soldiers, will be deployed across the state.
Additionally, about 23,000 paramilitary personnel from approximately 295 companies of central security forces have arrived in Tamil Nadu. This includes 26,203 inspectors, sub-inspectors, special sub-inspectors, and 94,598 head constables and police officers.
Deployment of Special Forces
Similarly, 12,150 personnel from special commando/additional forces are also on security duty. In the capital district of Chennai, excluding Avadi and Tambaram city police, 1.17 lakh police personnel will be deployed across 38 districts and 7 metropolitan police areas.
Furthermore, apart from paramilitary forces and police, about 20,000 retired soldiers, retired police officers, and retired forest guards have also been assigned election duty.
Paramilitary Patrols
On polling day, special force personnel in 514 vehicles will patrol the entire state. If any issue arises at a polling station, they will immediately reach the spot to maintain law and order.
Additionally, quick response teams in 1,100 vehicles, led by DSPs, ADSPs, SPs, DIGs, IGs, and police commissioners, will also be on security duty.
