Tight security in Tiruparankundram, Ottapidaram

According to sources, a total of 297 polling stations have been set up in various parts of Tiruparankundram constituency in Madurai district, which has a total of 3.04 lakh voters. As many as 88 of these polling stations were identified as vulnerable.

A total of 37 candidates are in fray for this election. Since each of the polling stations required three Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a total of 891 EVMs, and 178 standby EVMs in case of any malfunction, would be used.

Polling material including ballot units, control units, indelible ink and other necessary items were transported by 26 vehicles to polling stations amid tight security. The vehicles were equipped with global positioning system to track its movement.

Sources said 26 zonal officers and 26 deputy zonal officers had been deputed to ensure that polling material reached its destinations safely. Unlike last time when voters had indelible mark applied on their index finger after exercising their franchise on April 18 Lok Sabha polls, the indelible mark would be applied on the middle finger on Sunday.

A total of 1,504 trained polling personnel would be involved in manning polling stations. As many as 4,317 police personnel have been deployed across the constituency to ensure a smooth conduct of polling, which is all set to commence at 7 am and conclude at 6 pm.

Elsewhere, a total of 2,33,847 voters would decide the fate of 15 candidates in fray in the Ottapidaram (Reserve) Assembly constituency in Thoothukudi district. As many 71 of the 257 polling stations in this constituency were identified as vulnerable.

Sources said security has been strengthened with the deployment of around 3,000 police personnel and a few companies of paramilitary forces.

Furthermore, security has also been beefed up at two booths falling within the Theni Lok Sabha constituency, where repolling was ordered by the Election Commission.