With Kolkata seats up for grabs,EC on toes for Phase III

In view of election-related violence in the second phase of elections,the Election Commission has declared all booths in Kolkata and South-24 Paraganas as sensitive...

In view of election-related violence in the second phase of elections,the Election Commission has declared all booths in Kolkata and South-24 Paraganas as sensitive and will deploy 50 companies of Central Police Force (CPF) across various booths in the city and 100 companies of CPF in the districts for the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

According to state Chief Electoral Officer Debashis Sen,a total of 250 companies of CPF with 200 companies of state police force have been deployed for the third phase of elections scheduled to be held in the state on May 13.

Eight additional central observers will be deployed in Amdanga,Gosaba,Basanti,Patharpratima,Kakdwip,Metiabruz,Bhangar and Kultali Assembly constituencies.

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The EC has also decided to tighten security arrangements. A total of 1.38 crore voters across 17,136 booths spread over 9,000 premises in 11 parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on May 13.

Raids are being carried out in various places by the state police. We have also arranged for quick reaction teams and heavy radio flying squads for keeping a vigil on the booths. We have asked the police to be prepared to ensure faster movements in case of an emergency, Sen said.

Meanwhile,the EC reiterated that all the party campaigners and supporters will have to return from the constituencies where they have been camping for these days. It has also asked the police to ensure that only one polling agent stays inside the booth during the polls.

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