Vellore Collector VR Subbulaxmi inspects EVMs in Vellore. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
District election officials have identified 416 vulnerable polling stations in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts to enforce the Model Code of Conduct for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Election officials said that together these constituencies have at least 21 assembly constituencies including Katpadi, Vellore, Arakkonam, Sholinghur, Ranipet, Jolarpet, Tirupatur, Arani, Vandavasi, Cheyyar, Chengam, Tiruvannamalai, Ambur and Vaniyambadi.
Over 6,000 polling stations in Tiruvannamalai district alone have 3,270 polling stations for eight assembly constituencies. “Since most of the polling booths are government schools, steps are being taken to provide basic facilities. The polling booths and the police are constantly patrolling,” said an election official.
Among the identified vulnerable booths, Vellore has the highest number with 137 booths, followed by Ranipet, 136, Tiruvannamalai, 80 and Tirupattur 63. Security measures including web cameras, police personnel and security room status are also being taken.
Since most of the polling stations are government schools, especially in remote rural areas, easy access to these polling stations is also ensured, including leveling the open area of the campus. Washrooms and water faucets are ready.
The respective district police are also conducting a crackdown on historical witnesses and repeat offenders to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. The police also began visiting license holders who did not voluntarily hand over their weapons to their local police station. More than 1,500 licensees have been identified in these districts.
Border control posts in these districts are also being tightened to prevent illegal flow of cash and materials for distribution to voters for elections. Each district has an average of at least six checkpoints, mostly interstate.
Some of the check posts in Ranipet district include Sikkarayapuram, Pallari, Thamaraipakkam, Arumpakam and Rettaikulam. Each check post was reinforced by at least two constables headed by a sub-inspector. All permanent check posts have been integrated with control rooms in the SP office in these districts with advanced CCTV cameras.
Published – 27 March 2026 23:11 IST
