Nagpur: As the clock strikes 5 pm on Wednesday, April 17, the high-voltage election campaign for the Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha constituencies gradually settles amidst the heat and dust of fervent canvassing. With the voting scheduled for April 19 and the subsequent phases spanning till June 1, the political arena is abuzz with anticipation for the results, slated to be announced on June 4.
Both the Police and the Election Commission have meticulously orchestrated arrangements to ensure the peaceful and seamless execution of the polls. Amidst the spirited electoral atmosphere, marked by vigorous campaigning and occasional acrimony, the focal point remains the contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, with their respective national leaders spearheading the canvassing efforts.
Today’s Rate
Monday 04 Nov. 2024
In the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP has nominated Nitin Gadkari, while the Congress has put forward Vikas Thakre as its candidate. The streets of Nagpur have witnessed grand road shows, a customary spectacle during the election season. Interestingly, this year, neither party has enlisted any star campaigners for the final day of campaigning, underscoring a shift towards grassroots engagement. With the polling day looming on Friday, April 19, the constituents eagerly await their chance to cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, in the Ramtek Lok Sabha seat, Raju Parve of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has undertaken an extensive campaign trail. The Congress has chosen Shyamrao Barve as its contender for the Ramtek seat. Opting for a more traditional approach, the Congress refrained from engaging star campaigners on the last day, instead opting for traditional rallies to rally support.
As the campaign fervour subsides, the spotlight now shifts to the electorate, poised to exercise their democratic right and shape the political landscape for the years to come. With the stage set for the electoral spectacle to unfold, all eyes are on the impending ballot day and the subsequent phases, promising a democratic spectacle of unprecedented proportions.
Adequate security measures:
Over 4,000 police personnel, supported by four companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and 1,837 home guards, will be deployed to oversee the security of 2,765 polling booths in Nagpur city.
During a press conference, Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr Ravinder Singal announced that a robust police presence, including armed personnel, would be stationed in close proximity to the polling stations.Since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) on March 16, the City police have seized properties totalling Rs 85 lakh, including Rs 17 lakh in cash, 20 kg of Ganja, 731 grams of Mephedrone (MD), and 2919 litres of liquor. Additionally, the police have confiscated eight firearms along with 12 rounds of cartridges. Prohibitive actions have been taken against 1,625 persons under various sections.
A total of 2,765 polling stations have been set up across 839 buildings in the city. Police patrolling teams, led by ACP rank officials, will be intensified at all nine entry routes of the city. So far, no complaints regarding violations of the code of conduct have been lodged, stated CP Dr Singal. The CP has instructed all officers to cast their votes without fail, with 1,700 policemen registered for postal ballots. Out of 2,193 licensed weapon holders in the city, 500 emergency service personnel have been exempted from depositing their weapons. Presently, 1,646 weapons have been deposited with the police, while others have either transferred their weapons to other states.
