Kolkata, 02 October (H.S.): Preparations for the highly anticipated Nandigram assembly by-election have reached their final stages, with the administration implementing stringent security measures to ensure a free and fair electoral process. Purba Medinipur District Magistrate Niranjan Kumar and Superintendent of Police (SP) Anshuman Saha provided a comprehensive overview of the administrative and security arrangements. Voting for the high-profile constituency is scheduled for October 6, followed by the counting of votes on October 9.

Detailing the electoral logistics, District Magistrate Niranjan Kumar stated that the Nandigram assembly segment comprises 2,66,419 registered voters, who will cast their ballots across 323 designated polling booths. The administration aimed to finalize the arrangement of all essential polling materials by October 2, noting that approximately 80 percent of the voter slips have already been distributed to the electorate. To maintain absolute peace and impartiality during the electoral exercise, a massive security blanket comprising 37 companies of central armed police forces has been deployed across the region.

According to district police sources, the central forces will hold direct responsibility for guarding all polling booths. Concurrently, a contingent of 600 to 700 state police personnel has been strategically stationed across various sectors to maintain general law and order. Security protocols, including active naka checking, route marches, and intensive area domination patrols, have been significantly escalated. The election administration has specifically identified 79 polling booths as 'sensitive', placing them under heightened surveillance. Furthermore, Quick Response Teams (QRT), sector forces, and other specialized units will remain continuously active to tackle any unforeseen emergency situations.

The local administration is enforcing strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. The District Magistrate confirmed that 102 complaints related to code violations were registered, all of which have been swiftly and appropriately resolved. During intensive checking operations, enforcement agencies have also successfully seized unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 97 lakh alongside 5,893 liters of illicit liquor.

Addressing the overall law and order landscape, SP Anshuman Saha informed that more than 300 non-bailable warrants (NBWs) have been executed over the past two months, with special operational drives underway in Nandigram and surrounding areas of the district. Responding to allegations from opposition parties regarding obstructions faced during election campaigning, the SP clarified that the police have not received any specific or concrete complaints in this regard. He firmly emphasized that wherever isolated incidents have occurred, the police have promptly registered cases, executed arrests, and ensured appropriate legal action strictly by the book.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh