The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): The city of Bengaluru is gearing up for its polling day on April 26, with extensive preparations underway to accommodate a substantial voter turnout across 8,982 polling stations. Tushar Girinath, the District Election Officer (DEO) and BBMP Commissioner, made this announcement during a briefing attended by political party representatives and members of the press at the BBMP headquarters on Saturday.
An impressive electorate of 78,90,480 voters, inclusive of over 1 lakh newly registered voters, is expected to participate in the voting process spread across three constituencies within Bengaluru. To manage this massive undertaking, close to 46,000 personnel will be stationed at various polling booths.
With the activation of the Model Code of Conduct starting from Saturday, the DEO has orchestrated a comprehensive strategy to ensure adherence to the code. This includes the deployment of 297 flying squads, 339 static surveillance teams, 104 checkposts, and 679 sector officers. Their responsibilities will encompass monitoring for any irregular financial activities and collaborating with various departments such as banking, income tax and GST authorities, and the excise department to prevent any breach of the electoral code.
Immediate actions involve the removal of unauthorized election material from public spaces, scrutiny over the misuse of government vehicles, establishment of a media center, and setting up a complaint monitoring system. Steps will also be taken to inspect defacement of public and private properties and unauthorized use of public spaces.
In an effort to facilitate voter participation, a voter helpline will be operational, allowing individuals to confirm their inclusion in the voter list. Through the helpline number 1950 or by contacting local BLO offices, voters have until March 25 to submit applications for registration.
Addressing the concern of low voter turnout, especially in urban areas, the BBMP is implementing microplans aimed at increasing participation. Special attention will be given to 1,786 polling stations where past voter turnout was notably low, with initiatives like door-to-door awareness campaigns and public outreach programs.
Additionally, provisions are being made for senior citizens over the age of 85 and individuals with disabilities of 40% and above, allowing them to opt for home vote collection through the submission of 12D forms starting Monday.
Regarding campaign finances, candidates are permitted to spend up to Rs 95 lakhs on their election campaigns. It is mandatory for them to maintain a separate bank account for campaign expenses, to be opened at least one day before nomination filing. Candidates are required to document all election-related expenditures in three specified formats and report these to the election offices for compliance with electoral finance regulations.