Sivaganga DEO asks licensed weapon holders to deposit

Following the official announcement of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections, as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced across the State, Sivaganga District Election Officer and Collector K. Porkodi here on Monday chaired a press conference to brief about the comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming polls.

Superintendent of Police R. Shiva Prasad, and District Revenue Officer S. Selvasurabi, accompanied the DEO.

The district with four Assembly Constituencies (ACs) comprised of Karaikudi AC, Tirupattur AC, Sivaganga AC and Manamadurai AC. The Karaikudi AC with 3,03,371 voters has got 388 polling stations, Tirupattur AC with 2,73,456 voters has got 368 polling stations, Sivaganga AC with 2,76,156 voters has got 393 polling stations and Manamadurai AC with 2,57,616 voters has got 369 polling stations.

It was informed that for Karaikudi AC, Devakottai Sub-Collector (Ph: 9445000470); for Tirupattur AC, Sivaganga Assistant Commissioner (Excise) (Ph:9445074593); for Sivaganga AC, Sivaganga Revenue Divisional Officer (Ph: 9445000471); and for Manamadurai AC, district Backward Classes Welfare Officer (Ph: 9445477845), has been appointed as the Returning Officers by the Election Commission of India.

Similarly, Tahsildars of Karaikudi (Ph: 9445000647), Devakottai (Ph: 9445000649), Tirupattur (Ph: 9445000647), Singampunari (Ph: 9487772009), Sivaganga (Ph: 9445000650), Kalaiyarkoil (Ph: 7094610400), Manamadurai (Ph: 9445000651) and Illayangudi (Ph: 9445000652), have been appointed as the Assistant Returning Officers.

To ensure a fair election, a multi-layered surveillance system has been put into action. A total of 36 Flying Squads and 36 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed, supported by video monitoring units and 140 zonal-level teams, she added.

Further, she noted that all licensed firearm holders must immediately deposit their weapons at local police stations.

“Posters, wall paintings, and advertisements in public or urban private spaces are strictly prohibited. Parties must secure prior official permission for all public meetings and vehicle usage,” she noted.

While regular grievance meetings (such as Farmers’ Day) are suspended during the MCC period, the Collector assured the public that they could still submit petitions via a drop box at the Collectorate.

For reporting election violations, the administration has launched a 24-hour control room. Citizens can use the cVIGIL app or call the toll-free helplines at 1950 or 1800-425-7036.

Ms. Porkodi emphasising the importance of participation, urged eligible voters to exercise their democratic right and cast their vote without fail on April 23.