525 candidates to test their luck today

GUWAHATI: The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday said adequate measures have been taken to ensure that the second phase of polling takes place in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
A total of 525 companies of armed police forces, besides constables and home guard personnel, have been deployed.
The EC said there are 3,890 ‘sensitive' polling stations and 1,671 ‘hypersensitive' stations in the 61 constituencies in lower and central Assam that will vote on Monday.Besides, 730 polling stations have been marked ‘critical' and 358 stations are in the ‘shadow' area.
The Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which is being used for the first time in Assam, will be in place in 1,749 polling stations in seven constituencies. The VVPAT shows the voter his or her vote as it is being entered into the electoral system with a receipt.
Altogether 1,04,53,231 voters will cast their votes in 12,699 polling stations to seal the fate of 525 candidates. Among these, 53,91,204 are men. This time, 22 people of the third gender will cast their votes.
Since March 4, when the model code of conduct was imposed, Rs 12,51,47,539 and 8.6 lakh litre of liquor, both foreign- and country-made, have been seized by the administration from all districts. Rs 5.7 crore was seized from districts voting in the second phase.
A total of 190 illegal arms have also been seized since March 4. Altogether 5,207 non-bailable warrants have been executed since the announcement of polls in the state.
In Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup election districts, polling officials have reached their destinations after collecting election material from the designated location in Sarusojai Stadium and Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Amingaon, respectively.
The administration is using boats and bullock and horse carts in the char areas of South Salmara, Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nalbari and Darrang districts.
As many as 450 boats and 65 bullock carts have been used to ferry polling officials and security personnel.
According to the EC norms, 73 polling stations will be officiated by women officials and security personnel.
Besides, the district administrations have set up 148 model polling stations which will have additional facilities like a welcoming group, medical team and eatery.