Tension is gripping the contestants of all political parties as the D-day for counting of votes in the state assembly and Lok Sabha elections is fast approaching.
The Election Commission of India has made all the arrangements for the counting exercise.
Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena told senior deputy election commissioner Nitish Vyas through video conference that all strong measures have been taken for the smooth conduct of counting of votes.
According to Meena, counting will be completed in 20 rounds in 111 assembly constituencies, 21-24 rounds in another 61 assembly constituencies and more than 25 rounds in the remaining three constituencies.
While the trends would be available by noon, the results would be declared in 111 constituencies by 2 pm, another 61 constituencies by 4 pm and the three constituencies by 6 pm.
“The counting of postal ballots, too, would be completed quickly by increasing the number of tables, if necessary. Even if there is some delay by any reason in the counting of votes polled in EVMs, the final result for the entire state would be announced between 8 pm and 9 pm,” the CEO said.
While admitting that there were several incidents of post-poll violence in some districts, Meena said all steps would be taken to prevent any violent incidents on the day of counting at all counting states.
“Instructions have been issued to impose Section 144 near counting centres and senior officers have been posted in the sensitive areas. Along with the DGP and other senior officers, I, too, visited the violent-hit areas and reviewed the situation. Under any circumstances, all steps would be taken to protect law and order in the state on the day of counting,” he asserted.
