Odisha Elections 2019: Tight security arrangements for vote counting on May 23

Bhubaneswar: Elaborate administrative and security arrangements have been made for the counting of votes polled during all four phases in the Odisha Elections 2019.

172 platoons of Special Armed Police and 69 companies of Central Armed Police will be deployed for the voting of votes for 21 Lok Sabha and 146 Assembly constituencies to be held on May 23, informed Odisha DGP RP Sharma after a high-level review meeting held on Saturday.

As the vote counting may continue till late evening, Sharma directed all concerned SPs to set up control rooms with necessary VHF sets and other communication facilities near the counting centres.

"Already 69 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in several districts for the security of the strong rooms where EVM and VVPAT machines have been kept. Additional 12 companies are expected to reach the State shortly," said a senior police official adding that district SPs have been asked to inform about requirement of additional manpower for security measures.

Senior police officials further informed that SPs have been asked to ensure proper barricading, installation of CCTV cameras both inside and outside counter centres, robust patrolling system and extra security measures of victory processions.