GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT — Ahead of the Gujarat local body elections, Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty has outlined comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful and smooth polling process across the district.
Addressing the media, SP Vasamsetty said that a large-scale deployment of security personnel has been planned to maintain law and order during the elections. He stated that around 1,500 police personnel and 150 police officers will be stationed across various polling locations to oversee the process and respond to any potential issues.
In addition to the police force, the administration has also deployed approximately 1,000 Home Guards and Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD) members, significantly strengthening the security presence. These personnel will be tasked with supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining order and assisting with crowd management at polling stations.
The SP highlighted that all security personnel will take charge of polling booths in advance, arriving at their designated locations and staying overnight to ensure readiness before polling begins. This proactive approach is aimed at preventing any last-minute disruptions and ensuring that the voting process starts smoothly.
He further informed that around 800 polling sites have been identified across the district, each of which will be under close surveillance. To enhance mobility and quick response capability, 57 police mobile units will be deployed to patrol the areas surrounding these polling stations.
These mobile units will play a crucial role in monitoring sensitive locations, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a visible security presence, which is expected to deter any attempts to disturb the peace. The SP said that continuous patrolling will be carried out throughout the polling period.
Vasamsetty emphasised that the primary objective of these arrangements is to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, where voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. He said that the police are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
He also noted that special attention is being given to sensitive and vulnerable polling areas, where additional security measures have been put in place. This includes increased personnel deployment and closer monitoring to prevent any untoward incidents.
The SP assured that coordination between different agencies, including the police, election officials, and local administration, has been strengthened to ensure efficient management of the election process. Regular briefings and planning sessions have been conducted to align all teams.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and follow guidelines during the polling process. He also encouraged voters to come out in large numbers and participate in the elections, assuring them that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure their safety.
Observers note that such detailed security planning is essential, especially during elections, as it helps maintain public confidence in the process and ensures that voting takes place without disruption.
The deployment of a large number of personnel, combined with mobile patrol units, reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
SP Vasamsetty concluded by reiterating that the police force remains vigilant and committed to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and orderly manner, allowing voters to exercise their franchise freely.
The extensive security arrangements in Gandhinagar highlight the administration’s preparedness and focus on ensuring a smooth and incident-free election process in the Gujarat local body polls.
