J&K, Chhattisgarh ask EC for 5-phased polls

NEW DELHI: The possibility of the coming Lok Sabha poll stretching over a minimum 4-5 phases appeared real with many states, including J&K and Chhattisgarh, seeking as many polling days to enable maximum booth-level coverage by the security forces.

However, the decision on the phasing would rest exclusively with the Election Commission, which will take the final call after due consultations with the Union home ministry, scheduled to be held on Friday, regarding the availability of Central paramilitary forces for poll deployment and the time required to move them around.

At a meeting with chief secretaries and DGPs on Thursday, the EC heard their views on schedule and phasing of election, security force requirements and other logistics, including the requirements of helicopters, speed boats, satellite phones etc.

The commission directed the state representatives to develop most effective deployment parameters in consultation with the respective CEOs and work out the force requirement and force deployment plan. The commission would review these deployment plans on their visit to states to monitor election preparedness.

Among the other directions issued by the EC on Thursday, the states are required to transfer all those officials who have completed 3 years in a posting or are posted in their home districts. A compliance report in this regard would have to be filed by February 28. The EC has directed the states to fill up all posts critical to conduct of polls by February 20.

Taking view of the targetting of poll personnel in some states, especially those hit by Naxalism, the Commission sought a quick and adequate compensation package for any injury or casualty suffered by those on poll duties. The states were also briefed on the need to check inter-state movement of miscreants.