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Tamil Nadu Polls: 300 Security Companies Deployed for Peaceful Voting, Says CEO

Tamil Nadu CEO Archana Patnaik confirmed deployment of 300 security companies for free and fair polling on April 23. Enforcement actions have led to seizure of Rs 543 crore since the Model Code of Conduct came into force. EVMs are being dispatched to polling stations under tight security in districts like Dindigul. Authorities have intensified security in sensitive booths with multi-layered arrangements involving local police and central forces.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Polls: 300 Security Companies Deployed

  • 300 security companies deployed across Tamil Nadu for peaceful voting
  • Over Rs 543 crore seized since Model Code of Conduct enforced
  • EVMs dispatched to 316 polling stations in Dindigul under tight security
  • Multi-layered security in sensitive booths including Karur
  • Single-phase polling on April 23, counting on May 4
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Tamil Nadu polls: 300 security companies deployed to ensure peaceful voting, says CEO Archana Patnaik

Tamil Nadu CEO Archana Patnaik confirms 300 security companies deployed for peaceful voting on April 23. Over Rs 543 crore seized since MCC came into force.

"We are here to ensure a free, fair and transparent election. We have 300 companies in place, for which the deployment is done. - Archana Patnaik"

Chennai, April 22

State Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Wednesday confirmed that around 300 companies of security forces have been deployed across Tamil Nadu to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling as the state prepares to vote in a single phase on April 23.

"We are here to ensure a free, fair and transparent election. We have 300 companies in place, for which the deployment is done. We will ensure it is an election without any untoward incident," Patnaik said.

She also highlighted the extensive enforcement actions taken since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force. "The total amount intercepted is Rs 1262 crore, and the total amount seized by agencies is Rs 543 crores. Wherever MCC has been violated, FIRs have been filed in all cases. We are taking action on all complaints we have been receiving in our control centres," she added.

With campaigning concluded, the election machinery has shifted focus to logistics and security arrangements. In Dindigul, the process of dispatching Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to 316 polling stations is underway under tight security, with 33 vehicles deployed for the exercise.

Security has been further intensified in several districts, including Karur, where authorities have identified sensitive and vulnerable polling booths. A multi-layered security arrangement has been put in place, involving local police, central armed forces, and flying squads. Continuous surveillance, area domination exercises, and vehicle checks are also being carried out to maintain law and order.

Karur District Superintendent of Police Hari Kiran Prasad conducted on-ground inspections at key locations, including the Old Bus Stand roundabout, reviewing preparedness with police personnel and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams. He also carried out patrols across the city and sensitive areas to assess readiness.

Officials said all necessary measures have been implemented to maintain law and order and provide voters with a secure environment. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of polling, with a focus on transparency, strict enforcement of rules, and prompt response to any complaints.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some serious action! Rs 1262 crore intercepted is no joke. But I hope they also focus on stopping voter intimidation in rural areas. Our village near Karur always has some trouble during elections. Fingers crossed for peaceful voting tomorrow. 🤞
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James A
Impressive logistical effort. 33 vehicles just for EVM dispatch in Dindigul shows how meticulous the planning is. The multi-layered security with local police and CRPF is standard but necessary. Let's see if the EC can maintain this level of transparency throughout the counting process too.
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Manish T
One question - how many of those seized crores will actually be returned to the rightful owners? Often these seizures are just numbers on paper. But credit where due, the EC is doing its job. Hope voters in TN exercise their franchise without fear. Every vote matters! 💪
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Anjali F
I appreciate the transparency but I wish they'd also address voter apathy. Many young people I know in Chennai are planning to skip voting because they feel nothing changes. Security is important but so is making people believe their vote matters. Maybe more awareness campaigns alongside these measures?
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Vikram M
Good to see Karur SP personally inspecting security. That kind of hands-on leadership makes a difference. But let's be honest - in many constituencies, the real "muscle power" comes from local goons with political connections. Hope the central forces are empowered to act against anyone, regardless of which party they support. Only then will it truly be free and fair. 🤔

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