TN DGP cancels leave of police personnel ahead of May 4 counting of votes

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chennai, April 29 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered the cancellation of leave for all police personnel from May 2 until further orders, in view of the upcoming vote counting for the Assembly elections scheduled on May 4.

The directive applies to officers across all ranks, from constables to senior officials, and is aimed at ensuring maximum deployment of forces to maintain law and order during the counting process.

Senior police officials said elaborate security arrangements are being put in place at counting centres, with additional personnel to be deployed in sensitive and vulnerable locations across the state.

According to the order, no police personnel will be permitted to proceed on leave during this period, considering the importance of the counting exercise and the need for strict vigilance. However, officials clarified that those already on leave for valid and unavoidable reasons, such as medical emergencies, maternity leave, childcare responsibilities, or educational commitments, will be exempted from the directive.

The move comes as part of a broader effort by the state administration to ensure that the counting of votes is conducted smoothly and without any disruption.

Police presence will be intensified not only at counting centres but also in surrounding areas to manage crowds and prevent any potential law and order issues following the announcement of results.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 23, and the state witnessed peaceful polling across constituencies. Following the completion of voting, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been securely transported to designated counting centres under strict supervision.

Officials said the EVMs are being kept under round-the-clock security, with multi-layered arrangements including CCTV surveillance, armed police personnel, and restricted access zones to ensure their safety and integrity until the counting day.

Preparations for the May 4 counting are progressing at a brisk pace, with coordination between the police, election authorities, and district administrations. Measures such as route planning, crowd control, and emergency response systems are being finalised to ensure that the counting process and subsequent declaration of results take place in a peaceful and orderly manner across Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

aal/dpb

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At the press conference, Raut expressed his ire over the fact that Pakistan and China are receiving credit for brokering peace while India remained on the sidelines.

“Pakistan has returned to the world map by mediating between the US and Iran. This is a matter of shame for India. Our Prime Minister, who claims to be a ‘Mahavishwaguru,’ is merely acting like a telephone operator, chatting with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Nepal while others take the lead in global diplomacy,” he said.

He further added that the credit for bringing Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian leaders to the negotiating table should have belonged to India, but the government’s “lack of a clear stance” resulted in a diplomatic failure.

Commenting on the nature of the conflict, Raut praised Iran for standing up to global superpowers like the US and Israel. He noted that Iran did not surrender despite 35 days of intense conflict.

According to Raut, Iran “shattered the baseless fear” the world had regarding the military might of America and Israel. He described Donald Trump as a “mob-leader” who was taught a lesson by Iran’s sacrifice and resilience.

Raut alleged that while the world was on the brink of destruction, the Prime Minister was focussed on targeting political opponents within India.

“The ‘Mahavishwaguru’ was busy dropping ‘word bombs’ in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. He is using the Election Commission and the Vice President as weapons to destroy democracy at home, while China and Pakistan are taking credit for stopping a global war,” he remarked.

Referring to External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar’s previous comments labelling Pakistan a “broker” nation, Raut pointed out the irony of Donald Trump thanking that very same nation for its diplomatic efforts.

He demanded the immediate resignation or dismissal of S Jaishankar and warned that the government is dangerously underestimating its adversaries. He termed Jaishankar’s presence in the Cabinet as a liability that has led to national humiliation.

Raut mocked the BJP’s previous rhetoric regarding the hoisting of the Indian flag in Islamabad.

“You spoke of taking over Islamabad, but today, Trump and Netanyahu are sitting there to discuss world peace. This is a slap in the face of the Modi government. For the prestige Pakistan has gained today, Narendra Modi and his government are solely responsible,” he commented.

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Speaking to IANS, Poonawalla said, “Today, the Congress party should be renamed from INC to ANC, Anti National Congress. The only identity of the Congress is to continuously insult the Army, ‘Sena ka karo lagataar apmaan, Pakistan ko bulao apna bhaijaan (insult the Army continuously and call Pakistan your brother) ‘. In the all-party meeting, they say they stand with the nation and the Army and demand strict action. But the moment they step out, they let vote bank politics override national interest.”

He claimed, “One after another, their leaders give clean chits to Pakistan, advocate for talks with them, and in doing so, weaken the morale of our armed forces by indirectly endorsing Islamic jihad.”

“The nearest leader to Rahul Gandhi, Channi, always asks for proof that surgical strikes happened. This is the Congress’ mentality, they trust terrorism and countries that promote terrorism,” he professed.

Poonawalla also cited statements from other Congress leaders to stress what he termed a ‘consistent pattern’ of disrespect towards the military.

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A couple of beneficiaries said that Gruha Lakshmi funds were not deposited in their accounts, causing significant problems.

A beneficiary of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme told IANS, “It has been many months, but the money for the last three months has not come. If it comes, it will be good for us as well. We have children and have to pay rent. We do not have our own house. If the money is deposited, it will help us.”

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