Pune: In preparation for the upcoming assembly elections, the Director General of Police has issued an order canceling all leave and holidays for police officers and personnel from November 15 to November 25. This measure aims to ensure adequate security and a peaceful electoral process across the state.
Voting for the 288 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra is scheduled for November 20. In anticipation of the elections, the nomination process for candidates will begin on November 22, requiring police presence for security at various locations.
From November 5 to 18, a series of election rallies and corner meetings will take place, necessitating heightened police vigilance.
To ensure a smooth election process, the police will maintain strict security measures in each constituency. In addition to police personnel, members of the Home Guard and the State Reserve Police Force will also be deployed to assist in maintaining law and order.
The plan includes approximately 150,000 police officers, along with 47,000 Home Guards and various units of the State Reserve Police Force being assigned to key locations throughout the state.
Special attention will be given to sensitive polling stations, where an increased police presence will be established. Newly recruited police officers may also be assigned to duty at these locations.
The deployment of personnel is being coordinated by district police superintendents and police commissioners to ensure effective management.
In conjunction with the elections, government employees designated for election-related work will undergo training organized by their respective departments.
Following the announcement of the elections, a block-wise training program will be held for all involved government staff. A second phase of training is scheduled to occur 10 to 12 days prior to the voting date.
Teachers will have Diwali holidays from October 28 to November 10. However, they are required to participate in training sessions scheduled for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday, followed by another training session before November 10.
Consequently, a significant portion of their holiday time will be dedicated to election-related training and responsibilities.
Ajit Borhade, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Solapur City, stated, "In accordance with the orders from the Director General of Police, all police officers and personnel will have their holidays and leave canceled during the period from November 15 to 25 in relation to the assembly elections. This decision has been made to ensure that the democratic festival is conducted in a peaceful manner."