Bhopal: Election Commission has modified the polling time in only three constituencies. Though over two dozen constituencies are naxal and dacoit affected in the poll bound state. The PHQ is aware of the fact that while two districts are naxal affected and one district is dacoit affected, but no one is raising any questions against the EC’s measures.
Sources informed that districts adjoining to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh like Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anooppur, Shahdol, Sidhi Seoni, Chhindawara and Singroli are naxal affected. And in these districts more than two dozen constituencies are naxal affected. The districts adjoining to Uttar Pradesh like Chattarpur, Gwalior, Chambal and Satna are dacoit affected. In these districts around five constituencies are dacoit affected.
In the recently held elections in Chhattisgarh there were instances of post polling violence, where the naxal attacked the security forces, but failed to cause any harm. According to experts the naxal may execute similar misdeeds in MP. The joint chief electoral officer Lokesh Jatav informed Free Press that special security plans had formed in the naxal affected area.
The paramilitary forces will be deployed in these districts and the EC had demanded two helicopters for the airborne security. He added that in the Balaghat district the forces like Hawk Force have been deployed and others measures have been taken. In three constituencies including Lanji, Paraswada and Baihar the polling time had been changed.
In these constituencies the polling will be conducted from 7am- 3 pm, in place of the usual polling time is 8 am to 5 pm.
In the dacoit affected areas, the districts adjoining with UP, the problem is grim as the election may be affected due to these dacoits, problems may be created in the adjoining constituencies as well.
Recently the government officials and others were kidnapped by the gang operating in the Satna area. The EC and the PHQ had closed their eyes on the issue, the situation can be gauged from the fact that many gallantry awards are given to the officials who gun down the dacoits. On the other hand, on the promise of anonymity the officials posted at PHQ informed that two districts of Mandla and Balaghat are naxal affected and one district Satna is dacoit affected.
