Holding a review meeting through video conferencing at the state police headquarters here, Sharma asked the officials to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.
“There has been a rise in the number of booths compared to the election held in 2014. Therefore, there will be a requirement of some additional manpower in this years’ election,” he pointed out.
The DGP asked the SPs to assess the booths and make vulnerability mapping of the booths and critical polling stations basing on the past incidents of violation, Political rivalries, booth capturing etc during 2014 General Election and 2017 GP election.
He asked the SPs to furnish a detailed report on this to the ECI by January 29. He also asked the SPs to start the confidence building exercises in the districts, so as to create a friendly and fearless environment before the election.
As there will be several meeting, rallies and VVIP visits in the districts during electioneering, the DGP instructed the SPs to be fair and judicious while granting permission for the purpose. He also asked the SPs to keep the deployment planning and everything relating to the election in readiness.
Prasanta Patnaik