Security has been tightened across Dholpur district in Rajasthan as voting for the municipal body elections approaches on September 9 and September 11. Police columns carried out flag marches through the main markets, narrow lanes and sensitive pockets of the district, while additional teams patrolled on foot and in vehicles to dominate the routes and reassure residents that polling will pass off peacefully. The exercise has been stepped up in particular across the district's seven municipal bodies that are due to vote, with officers saying the eventual aim is a peaceful, incident-free election.
Liquor sale banned around both polling days
To help ensure a free and fair contest, the district administration has ordered a ban on the sale of liquor around the voting dates. According to orders issued by District Election Officer Shrinidhi BT, liquor sale and distribution will remain suspended from 6 pm on September 7 to 6 pm on September 9 for the first phase of voting. For the second phase, the same prohibition will apply from 6 pm on September 9 to 6 pm on September 11. The ban covers not just the sale but also the distribution of liquor during these hours. The dry day rule will also be enforced on September 14, the day votes are counted, with liquor sales completely stopped across the district for that day as well. The administration has warned that anyone found violating the order will face action as per the rules in force.
Flag marches and booth checks across the district
As part of its security plan, the Dholpur police identified sensitive and hyper-sensitive localities and stepped up surveillance there. The flag marches were meant to reassure ordinary citizens that the administration is alert, while sending a firm warning to anti-social elements who might try to disrupt the process. Separate teams also visited polling centres to physically inspect entry and exit points, review crowd-management arrangements and check overall security measures on the ground. The stated goal of this exercise is to prevent any untoward incident on polling day and to give voters a fear-free environment in which to cast their ballots without pressure or intimidation. Officials said this monitoring would continue without a break until voting in both phases is complete.
Two phases, seven municipal bodies, 230 wards in all
Voting across Dholpur district's seven municipal bodies has been split into two phases. In the first phase, on September 9, polling will be held for the Dholpur Nagar Parishad's 60 wards along with 35 wards in Rajakhera, 20 in Mania and 20 in Saipau, taking the first-phase total to 135 wards. The second phase, scheduled for September 11, covers 25 wards in Baseri, 45 in Badi and 25 in Sarmathura, adding up to 95 wards. Combined, the two phases will see voting take place across 230 wards in the district. Ward-wise, the first phase alone accounts for more seats than the second, reflecting the larger number of urban local bodies going to the polls in that round. The district administration has appealed to voters to turn out in as large numbers as possible so that participation in the process remains high.
Public holiday declared for voting areas
A public holiday has been announced in the constituencies going to the polls on their respective voting days, so that employees and other voters can exercise their franchise without having to worry about work commitments getting in the way. Officials say every necessary step is being taken to maintain law and order through the election process and to push up voter turnout across the affected areas. The administration added that voter-awareness efforts would continue right up to polling day in both phases. Taken together, the police and administration's preparations make clear that no laxity is being allowed when it comes to security, law and order, and a fair vote in Dholpur's civic body elections.
