Both Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have witnessed violence around the polls in the last two months. (Representational image: PTI)
Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have been provided with security forces for 15 days after the counting day. For Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, security forces have been provided till two days after the counting day
To avoid any post-poll violence in several states, including Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has directed for enhanced security in these areas until the process is completed.
As per sources, the poll body has provided additional central forces to Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh as well. They added that the additional security has been provided to avoid any untoward incidents.
“The commission is tough on post-poll violence. Central forces have been provided to states to prevent any post-poll violence based on the assessment provided by the states and central observers,” a source told News18.
Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have been provided with security forces for 15 days after the counting day. For Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, security forces have been provided till two days after the counting day.
The election process for Lok Sabha ended on Saturday with the final phase of polling on 57 seats.
Both Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have witnessed violence around the polls in the last two months.
Also, in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, the elections for respective assemblies were held simultaneously.
The counting of votes for the nationwide Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha is scheduled for June 4.
In both the northeastern states, the counting of votes for the assembly elections will be done on Sunday, June 2.
On Saturday, after the completion of polls, the Election Commission of India extended its “deepest and most profound gratitude” to voters, all the stakeholders including polling personnel, law enforcement agencies, security, and paramilitary forces, volunteers, Indian Railways and air force, amongst many who made this mammoth exercise a grand success.
“Polling across the country was held smoothly and peacefully across seven phases. The commission kept a close watch on every aspect of the poll process during the seven-phase General Elections. Stringent security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation,” the ECI said.
With meticulous advance planning and rigorous training of election officials, elections this time have seen a drastic reduction in the number of repolls demonstrating the robustness of the election process, it added.
Check detailed seat predictions based on Exit Poll Results 2024 LIVE . Get minute-by-minute updates on the exit polls from Andhra Pradesh.
