Karnataka polls: Highest number of critical polling stations in Bengaluru
With 1,595 critical polling stations, Bengaluru has the highest number of such stations in Karnataka, which has a total of 12,001 critical ones. Belagavi (891) and Mysuru (632) follow Bengaluru. Polling stations where "intimidation and electoral conflicts, inducements, (and) communal conflicts" happened in the past are termed 'critical'. Security measures in these polling stations will be augmented, said Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar yesterday.
Combination of paramilitary, web-casting and micro-observers for security
"We'll provide these polling-stations either half section of central paramilitary forces or web-casting or micro-observers, or a combination of all," said Kumar. He added that around 45,000 personnel will be deployed this year. Among the 60 expenditure-sensitive constituencies and 178 such pockets, Bengaluru (Urban and Rural), Mysuru and Hassan rank quite high on the list. However, these names change everyday, said officials.
e-Postal Ballot System for 28,622 service voters
Karnataka has a total of 58,008 polling stations, each meant for 1,000-3,000 voters. This time, the state has 28,622 'service voters', or voters belonging to the armed forces or forces under Army Act, 1950. For them, e-Postal Ballot System will be used, wherein a blank postal ballot paper would be transmitted to them electronically. Air Marshal K.C. Nanda Cariappa (Retd.) demonstrated the process yesterday.
