BHUBANESWAR: AS the war of words during high-voltage campaigns by political parties follow a volley of accusations and aggressive posturing in the run-up to the Bijepur by-election, Bargarh district has turned into a high security zone with unprecedented police deployment.At least five companies of Central armed police force reached Bargarh on Tuesday as part of the security arrangement. It comprises three companies of Central Reserve Police Force and two companies of Border Security Force. After the election on February 24, four companies will return while one would remain deployed for the counting on February 28.
While a bevy of senior leaders from BJD, Congress and BJP have been camping in Bargarh, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik too started campaigning in Bijepur from Tuesday while Union Minister Smriti Irani held public meetings.Given the high-profile status the by-election has acquired, the State Police is leaving nothing to chance to ensure a free and fair poll.
There are 281 polling booths in Bijepur, of which 79 have been designated critical status. These 79 booths are spread over 79 locations whereas the rest 202 are situated in 191 locations.Since Bargarh has reported increased movement of Maoists, four companies of CRPF were placed in the district for anti-Naxal operations. These units have been mobilised for the election duty.Besides, at least 34 platoons of Odisha State Armed Police have also been pressed into the poll duty. Bargarh has a battalion of Armed Police Reserve at its disposal too. Apart from the District Police, an additional mobilisation of 2,000 police personnel has been made.