New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) With an increase of 138 seats and reduced territory in each constituency, elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) next month could see tougher and more "sensitive" contests that could warrant larger police deployment.
The elections to the capital's civic body will be held on April 5 for 272 seats, as compared to 134 in 2001-02.
"As more candidates are fighting for the increased number of seats, the MCD elections are likely to be more sensitive this year as compared to last time," Deputy Commissioner of Police Manish Aggarwal told IANS.
"The territory of the councillors has been reduced this time, so they would be going all out to woo the voters. And every single vote will matter this time. It could result in some tense situations," he added.
According to one official, extra police forces would be deployed, depending on the population of the constituency, the location as well as the type of people - whether higher or lower income group - residing in the wards.
Details about the contesting candidates, including whether they have a criminal past, will be taken into account.
"Once the list of candidates is approved by the state election commission, we will declare wards as hyper-sensitive and sensitive depending on the chances of violence there," he added.
"We will video record the meetings and rallies of candidates. It will help us identify and apprehend the troublemakers in case of any tension," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS.
"All candidates have to take permission from the assistant commissioner of police (ACP) concerned before holding a rally in their ward. Permission will only be given on first-come-first-served basis," he added.
The border areas of the capital would be sealed before the D-day to control the flow of illegal liquor and muscle power from adjoining states.
"Though the number of polling booths would only be increased by five to six percent, we will require extra police force to conduct the polls peacefully," Bhagat added.
The city police have requested the central government to provide them with extra paramilitary forces during the elections.
The Delhi Election Commission has already issued strict guidelines for campaigning for an austere poll, compared to the previous elections. No posters, banners, buntings have been allowed.
The commission has stressed on door-to-door campaigning instead of the use of loudspeakers. Flags can be fluttered on houses, provided the house owner gives the go ahead. The parties cannot force their flags on any house and, if it is done, it will be seen as a violation of the model code of conduct.