Over 50,000 central forces for Karnataka polls

New Delhi: More than 50,000 central paramilitary forces personnel will be deployed during the forthcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka to ensure free and fair polls.

The Centre has earmarked a total of 52,500 security personnel (525 companies) drawn from various paramilitary forces like CRPF, ITBP and BSF to keep strict vigil and ensure peace during the polling process in the southern state. Voting will take place on May 5 for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly. The number of the central forces was finalised recently by the Election Commission after a meeting with senior officials of the Union Home Ministry. All the security personnel have already reached Karnataka and are on the process of reaching their designated places of deployment, a senior government official said. Authorities have directed security personnel to ensure tight security across the state in the wake of April 17 blast outside the BJP office in Bangalore that left 16 people, including 11 policemen, injured. Karnataka has seen several terror attacks in the past and the state is considered to be sensitive, officials said. There are 4.18 crore voters in Karnataka and as many as 50,446 polling stations. Counting of votes will take place be on May 8. PTI