In preparation for the upcoming elections in the state, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo announced on Sunday that the state police has requested an additional 10 companies of paramilitary forces for election duty.Currently, 190 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across the state to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. The Director General of Police (DGP) has sought the additional companies to bolster security measures during the elections.
Addressing reporters at the Secretariat, Sahoo stated that the postal voting process is underway and is expected to be completed by April 17. A significant number of police personnel, totaling 61,135, have applied for postal votes, with approximately 26,000 having already cast their votes. Additionally, around 71,000 defense personnel from the state will exercise their franchise through postal votes.
The request for additional paramilitary forces highlights the importance of maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of voters and polling booths during the electoral process. With the postal voting process well underway, efforts are being made to facilitate the participation of eligible voters, including security personnel, in the democratic process.