Electoral process should not be Disturbed, Strict Action against Trouble Mongers – DC Senthil
Mangaluru: “No major complaints have been reported on the poll day and I would like to thank all the polling staff for the good work they have done. We had 17,11,848 voters but only 13,29,569 people have cast their votes. In the district, we have registered 77.67 % of the voting. On May 13, we had the scrutiny stage where all the candidates and Observers had discussed the polling process. There is no re-poll in the district, on May 15 the counting process will start at 8:00 am at the Mahatma Gandhi Centenary school Bondel. Section 144 will be in force and I request the candidates not to hold any Victory Parade. The moment the counting is completed, all of us will be in the field since the next two days will be very crucial for us. To maintain the law and order situation all the parties should co-operate. We are following the standard operating procedure, if anyone misbehaves at the counting centre, we will take strict action, we will not allow anyone to disturb the Electoral process”, said the Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil in a press meet held at the DC office here on May 14.
Addressing the mediapersons DC Sasikanth Senthil said, “We are clear in the vote counting process since it is very much important for us. This time we have used standard operating procedure system to count the polls. The votes of all the 8 constituencies will be counted at the Mahatma Gandhi School Bondel. One room has been allocated for Mangaluru South and Sullia. No vehicles will be allowed inside the counting premises. Only authorised officials vehicles are allowed. The counting process will begin at 8:00 am beginning with the postal ballots and within half an hour counting of the normal votes will begin. The counting of votes will be a slow and steady process and at every round, we will announce the progress of the vote count”.
Addressing the mediapersons Police commissioner Vipul Kumar said, “The polling process was completely peaceful. I salute the spirit of Mangaluru and thank the people for co-operating. The poll scenario was is peaceful. Adequate security arrangements have been made at the counting centre on May 15. All the 8 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) counting that is scheduled on May 15 is protected by a 3-layer security cordon. The 3-tier security cordon consists of CAPF, KSRP, CAR and Civil police. Three companies of CAPF – SSB are deployed for the peaceful counting process. The counting centre is monitored by CCTV surveillance at all times”.
Vipul Kumar further said, “All the persons entering the counting centre (counting officials, assisting staff, Counting agents etc) are thoroughly frisked and allowed. No person is allowed to enter without a valid pass issued by the DEO. Only the counting officials and authorized vehicles are allowed inside the premises. Emergency medical services and fire services have been arranged at the counting centre. There will no vehicular traffic in front of the counting centre. Parking for public vehicles has been provided at the KHB and NMS grounds. Traffic towards airport and city has been diverted (vide CP notification dated May 13). Prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC are promulgated from May 14 midnight (12.00) to 16 May Midnight (12.00). Twp RAF Coys, 6 KSRP platoons, 6 CAR parties and 100 mobile patrolling vehicles will be deployed in the city. I appeal to all the political parties to shun the victory processions in the interest of maintaining law and order”.
