Madhya Pradesh: Three-tier security deployed for counting of votes, says Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 3 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan on Monday said that the counting of votes of Lok Sabha elections 2024 would take place for 29 parliamentary constituencies in the state in 52 district headquarters starting at 8 am on June 4 amid three-tier security arrangements.
Rajan said, "On June 4, the counting of votes will take place for 29 parliamentary constituencies in 52 district headquarters starting at 8 am. The counting of postal ballots will be held at only 29 district headquarters where there is a returning officer."
In the wake of prevailing heat conditions, drinking water arrangements and coolers have been installed at the counting centres. Medical kit and doctor facilities have also been ensured. Tomorrow has been declared as a dry day. Three layers of security have been deployed in counting centres, the officer said.
"District armed forces will be deployed in the outermost layer, state armed police will be deployed in the intermediate cordon and central forces will be deployed at the innermost cordon," he added.
There are a total of 116 central counting observers who have reached their respective districts in the state for the counting, the officer said.
Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh were conducted in the first four phases of the total seven phases. The first phase of polling was held on April 19, the second phase took place on April 26, the third phase on May 7 and the fourth phase of polling concluded on May 13.
Polling for six seats each was conducted in the first phase and second phase, nine parliamentary seats went to the polls in the third phase and eight seats in the fourth and final phase of the state.
The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved. (ANI)