Poll panel chief to visit Naxalite-hit districts

Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla will arrive in Nagpur to review the poll preparedness for the state elections, especially in Naxalite-hit districts of Gadchiroli, Gondia and Chandrapur. Pradip Kumar Maitra reports.

Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla will arrive here on Thursday to review the poll preparedness for the state elections, especially in Naxalite-hit districts of Gadchiroli, Gondia and Chandrapur.

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The three districts had witnessed widespread violence in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in 2004.

Chawla would meet the district collectors of these districts, along with the district police superintendents and ensure adequate paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the elections. “During his (Chawla’s) visit, he would discuss the law and order situation in the Naxalite-hit districts,” said Pravin Darade, the district collector of Nagpur.

“We anticipate disruption in the election process by Naxalites. However, we are prepared to face any eventuality,” said Manoj Kumar Sharma, additional superintendent of police, Gadchiroli.