Uttarakhand poll officials leave for far-flung regions two days ahead of polls

Haldwani, Jan 28 (ANI): Poll officials here today left for far-flung hilly regions of Uttarakhand, two-day ahead of the scheduled assembly elections in the state.

Returning Officer for Bhimtal, Khima Ram, said the poll officials have been provided with all the necessary commodities so that they do not face any problems.

"Total 18 parties will move from here and two parties, which has to travel to far off regions of Sunkot and Kaira village, where they will have to walk for 8-10 kilometres. We have provided them with horses and coolies and guides. We have also provided them with sleeping bags etc," said Ram.

Political mercury is at a high in the poll-bound Uttarakhand, where the main fight is between the current incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress Party.

Polling booth in-charge for Sunkot village, K L Arya, said they are fully prepared and would ensure that elections are conducted without any difficulty.

"We have heard that we will have to walk 8-10 kilometres, because it is an interior region and we have taken with us our sleeping bags and warm clothes. We have also taken dry fruits to keep us warm. We are fully ready and will ensure that proper and good elections are held there," said Arya.

BJP government in Uttarakhand has been marred by corruption charges, which led to the eviction of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank from chief minister's post.

Nishank was replaced by B C Khanduri, who had the unenviable task of cleaning BJP's image before the polls.

The ensuing polls are being viewed as an opportunity for India's major parties to re-establish or strengthen their footholds in the country's five major states. (ANI)