State government on Saturday blamed “outsiders” from neighbouring states for creating violence in various parts of the state while the State Election Commission (SEC) asked poll observers to act on behalf of the commission and ensure that nominations are filed peacefully.
Meanwhile, State Election Commission’s second request for central forces has once again been turned down by the state government.
The state secretariat is of the opinion that the state forces are adequate to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner and that deployment of paramilitary forces is a huge burden on the state exchequer.
“In 2013, despite deployment of central forces there was large scale violence with 21 deaths. It is not feasible for central forces to understand the topography in such a short time as a result of which they are not effective,” said a source.
Sources said that the state government had submitted a security plan to SEC but it does not have any provision for central forces.
According to the plan, the booths will be managed by unarmed constable or civic volunteers and the premises will be guarded by armed forces. “In case of one booth premise there will be one armed force and if it is more then there will be two armed personnel.
The plan, however, is yet to be approved by the SEC.” ADG law and order Anuj Sharma said in Nabanna that additional forces along with senior officers like Mr Jawed Shamim, Mr Debashis Boral and Mr Bastav Biadya have been sent to the trouble zone of Birbhum, Raiganj and Bankura respectively.
Mr Sharma said state government is taking necessary corrective measures to ensure that outsiders are prevented from entering the state. According to police, outsiders from Jharkhand, Bihar and Assam are entering the state and creating violence in various rural areas.
Mr Sharma said police possesses specific proof in regard to involvement of outsiders. On the other hand, Mr AK Singh, commissioner, State Election Commission on Saturday held a meeting with district observers and told the latter to function as the “ears and eyes of the commission”.
Mr Singh asked the observers to maintain direct contact with SEC and reach the blocks by 9 April so as to monitor the process of scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers.
He further asked them to take necessary measures so that candiades who fail
to file nominations at BDO offices can do so at the SDO offices.