Gandhinagar, April 6 (IANS) With less than three weeks remaining for Gujarat’s extensive local body elections, the state’s top police leadership has directed an intensified crackdown on criminals and preventive action across districts to ensure a “free and fair” polling process.
The directive was issued at a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Dr K.L.N. Rao on Monday, who convened all Police Commissioners and District Police Chiefs via video conference from Police Bhavan.
The meeting focused on reviewing law and order arrangements ahead of polling scheduled for April 26.
According to officials, the elections will cover a wide spectrum of local bodies, including 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats, with counting set for April 28.
Voting is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. using electronic voting machines, with over 4 crore voters eligible to participate.
During the meeting, Rao instructed all police units to undertake preventive measures and register the maximum possible cases under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA).
He directed strict action against long-absconding accused and history-sheeters, emphasising the need to curb potential threats ahead of polling.
“Free and fair voting must be ensured in the state,” Rao said, calling for heightened vigilance and coordinated enforcement.
The Model Code of Conduct has been in force since April 1, and the police have been tasked with providing the final operational push to the election process.
ADGP (ATS) Amit Vishwakarma has been appointed as the nodal officer to coordinate security and enforcement measures.
The election schedule stipulates that nominations will close on April 11, with April 15 being the last date for withdrawal of candidature.
In addition, a by-election to the Umreth Assembly constituency is scheduled for April 23.
Senior officers have been directed to intensify combing operations in sensitive districts and closely monitor illegal arms movement and prohibition-related offences.
Rao also ordered the immediate execution of non-bailable warrants and enhanced surveillance of identified troublemakers.
Security arrangements are being scaled up significantly, with around 9,000 trained LRD recruits and personnel from the Forest Department to be deployed on election duty.
Officers recently transferred have been instructed to assume charge within 24 hours and carry out ground inspections of polling stations and sensitive locations.
Authorities are also factoring in past incidents, including offences reported during the 2021 elections in districts such as Dahod, with additional forces to be deployed in vulnerable areas.
Intensive checking will be conducted along interstate borders.
The police have been asked to maintain close coordination with District Election Officers and Collectors, strengthen VIP security protocols, and upgrade communication systems.
Following the publication of the final list of candidates after April 15, foot and mobile patrolling will be further intensified.
Teams from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) based in Gandhinagar will carry out continuous monitoring to prevent any untoward incidents, with officials stating that all measures are aimed at ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without fear.
–IANS
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