Nagpur: In preparation for the upcoming Maharashtra State Assembly elections, the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced across Nagpur district here, on Tuesday, October 15. The district comprises 12 assembly constituencies, where voting will take place on November 20, 2024, at a total of 4,610 polling stations. Approximately 44,94,784 voters are expected to exercise their right to vote, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23, 2024. District Collector and Election Officer Dr. Vipin Itankar urged all parties and individuals to adhere to the code of conduct.
Dr. Itankar made these announcements during a press conference held at the Bachat Building Hall of the District Collector's Office. Present at the event were Vinayak Mahamuni, CEO of the Zilla Parishad, Joint Commissioner of Police Nisar Tamboli, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Harsh Poddar, and Deputy District Election Officer Pravin Mahire.
The district administration aims to achieve a voter turnout of at least 75%. Dr. Itankar emphasized that this goal can only be reached with active participation from the electorate. He urged voters to respond positively to the administration's call and turn out in large numbers on election day.
Special Arrangements and Security Measures:
Assistant Commissioner of Police Nisar Tamboli provided insights into the preparations being made for urban areas, while Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar discussed security measures in rural regions. They detailed arrangements for law and order, checkpoint security, manpower availability, and preventive actions to ensure a peaceful election process.
Election Schedule Announced:
The election schedule for the district's 12 assembly constituencies is as follows:
- October 22, 2024: Official notification of the election will be issued.
- October 29, 2024: Deadline for submission of nomination papers.
- October 30, 2024: Scrutiny of nomination papers.
- November 4, 2024: Last date for withdrawal of candidacy.
- November 20, 2024: Polling day.
- November 23, 2024: Counting of votes.
- November 25, 2024: Completion of the entire election process.
Details of Polling Stations:
Nagpur district will have a total of 4,610 polling stations, distributed as follows:
- Katol: 332
- Savner: 370
- Hingna: 472
- Umred: 395
- Kamthi: 524
- Ramtek: 359
- Nagpur South-West: 378
- Nagpur South: 350
- Nagpur East: 364
- Nagpur Central: 308
- Nagpur West: 351
- Nagpur North: 407
Among these, there are 11 polling stations located in high-rise buildings and 9 in slum areas.
Increased Vigilance at State Borders:
To facilitate smooth voting, special measures will be implemented to manage crowds at locations with more than five polling stations. Increased vigilance will also be maintained at checkpoints along the state borders with Madhya Pradesh. Teams from the excise, transport, forest, and police departments will be stationed at these checkpoints to ensure security.
Special Focus on Social Media and Fake News:
The district administration will closely monitor social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation during the election period. Dr. Itankar stressed that any misleading messages or incidents reported on social media will be addressed promptly, with corrective actions taken to counter false narratives.
Voters Encouraged to Use Voter Helpline App:
Dr. Vipin Itankar urged citizens to verify their names in the voter list using the Voter Helpline app and to participate actively in the democratic process. Information will be disseminated to guide voters in checking their names on the electoral rolls, encouraging them to exercise their right to vote.
