In a bid to ensure a peaceful and fear-free environment for the upcoming first phase of elections, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has ordered immediate route marches in all sensitive and violence-prone areas of the state. District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been directed to carry out these marches with Central Forces within the next 2–3 days.

The directive specifically highlights areas that witnessed turbulence or political violence during previous elections. According to the Election Commission’s data, such “trouble spots” often record lower voter turnouts due to an underlying sense of insecurity. The primary objective of these route marches is to boost voter confidence and ensure every citizen feels safe to exercise their franchise.

Furthermore, the DMs and SPs have been instructed to supervise the patrolling personally. Once completed, a formal compliance report must be submitted to the Election Commission. This proactive stance by the administration is seen as a crucial step toward maintaining law and order and ensuring the democratic process remains unhindered by intimidation.