Baran (Rajasthan): Voting is underway today for the Anta Assembly by-election in Rajasthan’s Baran district. Polling began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, with early hours witnessing peaceful voter turnout.
A total of 15 candidates are in the fray, but the main contest is believed to be between Morpal Suman (BJP), Pramod Jain Bhaya (Congress), and Naresh Meena (Independent).
Tight Security Arrangements
To ensure smooth polling, strict security measures have been implemented. Around 3,077 police personnel have been deployed across 268 polling booths, of which 95 booths have been declared sensitive, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are stationed there. Additionally, 13 inter-state and 5 inter-district check posts are operational to maintain vigilance.
Anta By-Election at a Glance:
- Total Voters: 2,28,264
- Male Voters: 1,16,783
- Female Voters: 1,11,477
- Other Voters: 4
- Polling Stations: 268
- Sensitive Booths: 95
- Police Personnel Deployed: 3,077
- Green Polling Booths: 5
Webcasting and Monitoring
Webcasting facilities have been arranged at all polling centers. A 24-hour control room has been set up at the district headquarters and the returning officer’s office for real-time monitoring. Furthermore, 12 Quick Response Teams (QRTs), 43 mobile teams, and 43 sector magistrates, along with senior officials, are actively supervising the polling process.
Facilities for Voters
The administration has made special arrangements for the convenience of voters:
- Wheelchairs and assistants for differently-abled voters.
- Cradles at each booth for women voters with infants.
- Colored candidate photos on EVMs for easy identification.
- Jute bags and two volunteers at each center for mobile phone deposit.
Significance of the Anta Seat
The Anta Assembly seat fell vacant after former MLA Kanwarlal Meena was sentenced by a court. This by-election is seen as a litmus test for the current state government’s two-year performance, prompting both BJP and Congress to deploy their full strength, making the contest highly engaging and crucial ahead of the next general elections.
