Kerala deploys heavy security for polls

Thiruvananthapuram: In the heaviest pre-poll deployment in recent times, at least 100 companies of Central paramilitary forces, including those trained in anti-Naxal operations, are deployed across the state.

Sources said the maximum deployment of Central forces for elections in the recent past was only around 60 companies and it was only 25 during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

One company comprises of around 75 personnel and hence the total deployment in the state this time is around 7,000.

Single-phase polls, detection of the massive flow of black money for poll purposes, Naxal threats and possibilities of tensions among political parties were the factors that prompted the Election Commission to go for a blanket security cover.

The BJP leadership had also urged the commission to have adequate security to ensure free and fair elections, citing chances of tension.

Already 100 companies of central forces have reached the state and started preparatory works for the polls by instilling a sense of security among the voters.

"Apart from holding route marches, the forces are even visiting tribal and backward areas to build confidence among the electorate to exercise their franchise," a senior police officer said.

ADGP (armed police battalions) Anil Kanth and IG (internal security) Balramkumar Upadhyay are the nodal officer and assistant nodal officer for the poll security arrangements.

CRPF personnel trained in anti-Naxal operations would be deployed in about 60 odd polling stations along the border areas of northern districts that were considered to be prone to Naxal attacks.

As many as 1233 polling booths in 711 locations were already identified as critical or vulnerable. Apart from security forces, video surveillance would also be made at these booths.