Election Commission Deploys Central Armed Police Forces for Smooth Elections in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken significant steps to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha. Dr. Archana Shivhare, CRPF IGP of Odisha Sector, informed the media that the ECI has deployed 75 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the state, including 35 companies of CRPF, 35 companies of BSF, and 5 companies of CISF.

CAPFs, which include the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order during the electoral process.

Addressing the press, Shivhare outlined the deployment strategy, stating that the 75 CAPF companies are currently stationed in Odisha for area domination, patrolling, and checking. In addition to general election security, paramilitary forces have been strategically positioned for anti-naxal operations in Maoist-affected districts. This deployment aims to ensure that voters in these regions can cast their votes without fear.

The deployment has been carried out in sensitive and hyper-sensitive districts in two phases. The first phase took place on March 1, followed by the second phase on March 7. Dr. Archana Shivhare has been appointed as the state coordinator of the forces by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

“We are continuously coordinating with the state police in all sensitive and hyper-sensitive places. The central forces and the state police are working together for the smooth conduct of elections. The forces will also be deployed at the inter-state and inter-district borders,” Shivhare stated.

The Election Commission, in collaboration with CAPFs and state police, is taking proactive measures to maintain security and facilitate a fair and peaceful electoral process. The dates for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, which will be held simultaneously, are expected to be announced in the coming days. The deployment of CAPFs underscores the commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure the safety of voters during the electoral process.