Chennai: Even before the State Assembly election dates could be announced, Tamilnadu will witness the arrival of paramilitary forces.
A total of 45 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will reach the State on 25 February for the ensuing Assembly polls in the State this summer, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said.
Sources said the personnel will assist the flying and static surveillance squads that seizes cash for votes and they will also guard the polling stations, counting centres and the EVM machines, when the election work starts.
It is to be noted that Opposition parties have demanded the Election Commission to deploy more outstation police personnel to curtail the inducement to voters and this is one of the reason for the EC to insist on early protection to the poll-bound State.
A couple of days ago, two Joint Chief Electoral Officers were appointed to assist CEO Satyabrata Sahoo.
The new Joint Chief Electoral Officers are Agriculture Department Joint Secretary T Anand and Health and Family Welfare Department Joint Secretary Ajay Yadav.
It is said that the appointment was made based on the instructions from the Election Commission.
‘Their appointment is for a period of one year or till the need for it ceases, whichever is earlier,’ said the G.O issued in this regard.