Stage set for counting in AP: 5,600 central forces, social media under watch, CRPF IG in Vijayawada

HYDERABAD: An unprecedented security blanket was implemented to count votes in Andhra Pradesh peacefully. The Election Commission of India (ECI) took extra care to count votes on June 4, after the unabated post-poll violence that shook parts of the State, particularly Palnadu.

A total of 3.33 crore people exercised their franchise in AP. Over 4.61 lakh people cast their postal ballots. A total of 26,473 votes were cast through home voting. A total of 26,721 service voters also cast their votes electronically.

As many as 2,443 EVM tables and 443 postal ballot tables had been set up for the Lok Sabha constituencies. As many as 2,446 EVM tables and 557 postal ballot tables had been set up for the Assembly constituencies.

27 rounds of counting for Amalapuram LS

Around 401 counting halls had been set up in 33 locations across the state. The counting of votes for Amalapuram Lok Sabha Constituency would occur in 27 rounds. It would take about nine hours to get the results in Amalapuram.

There would be 13 rounds in Rajamahendravaram and Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituencies. It would take about 5 hours to get the results. There would be 26 rounds of counting in Bheemili and Panyam Assembly Constituencies. In Kovvur and Narasapuram, the results would be declared in five hours. The media would be allowed to film the counting process. However mobile phones would not be allowed inside the counting centres.

The stage is set: CEO

AP CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena addressing media here on Monday said that all arrangements for counting had been completed. "We went to some of the counting centres and checked the arrangements. The postal ballots will be counted on June 4 from 8 am and EVMs from 8.30 am. This time, there were more postal ballots. They have special counters,” he said.

The ECI appointed 119 observers for the state. There would be counting agents in every counting hall. Media rooms were set up at every centre. Section 144 had been imposed around the counting centres. Security forces had deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Tight, .ulti layered security had been provided around the strong rooms.

Special focus on social media: DGP

AP DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said that police would take action on provocative posts. “Strict action will be taken against those who spread fake news through social media. Personal attacks on social media will not be tolerated, action should be taken against such people,” he said.

The DGP said that police would register cases under the IT Act and open rowdy sheets. Strict measures such as the imposition of the PD Act would be taken. He warned that police would investigate the culprits behind such provocative posts, photos and videos, and WhatsApp status. Alerting group admins, he said that the police kept a watchful eye on such activities.

CRPF IG Charu Sinha arrives in Vijayawada

CRPF IG Charu Sinha arrived in Vijayawada on Monday to monitor the deployment of central forces in the trouble-torn areas of the State.

In all 50 companies of CRPF deployed in AP. 5,600 central forces had been deployed for the counting of votes. The Central forces arrived in selected places in Palnadu, Anantapur, and Chittoor districts.

Dry Day on Tuesday

The Government also ordered the closure of all wine shops on June, 4. Orders were issued to consider counting day as a dry day. In some sensitive districts, the wine shops would remain closed for three days.