Godhra is perhaps the only district headquarter in Gujarat that is deemed sensitive during the polls. The Panchmahals district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure violence-free polls. Other talukas that have been declared sensitive include the border taluka of Shehra and the communally charged pockets of Kalol. “We have asked for three additional paramilitary battalions to maintain law and order,” said District Collector Milind Torwane.

Meanwhile, district officials have also held meetings with border districts in Rajasthan such as Dungarpur to control any kind of spill over of violence across the borders of the two states. “As polls in Rajasthan will be held after Gujarat, there are chances of troublemakers crossing over to the other side. This year, all border movement will be monitored strictly,” said Torwane.

The police have also started monitoring the flow of alcohol across the district, especially by the politicians to woo voters in tribal dominated areas. “At least 10 bootleggers have been booked under PASA recently. We will check such activities,” Torwane added.