Air Force Soars: 439 Sorties Securing Lok Sabha Elections

In the closing of the inaugural phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections, with an impressive 64% of voter turnout, the Indian Air Force (IAF) stood as a pivotal force alongside the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring the success of the electoral process.

As per the ECI’s report, they harnessed the capabilities of the Indian Air Force to facilitate the aerial delivery of polling personnel and electoral materials through heli-dropping operations.

“A formidable squadron comprising 18 MI-17s, 13 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), and 8 specialized Cheetal helicopters, designed for high-altitude terrains, were deployed across diverse states, marking a significant initiative to surmount geographical obstacles,” stated the electoral body.

“An aggregate of 439 sorties/trips were executed by the IAF! Moreover, 2 MI-17 helicopters, in coordination with the Arunachal Pradesh state government, were utilized for the transportation of personnel within the state,” they further elaborated.

Breaking down the data regionally, in the case of the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir, a total of 70 sorties were completed for the transportation of 189 polling officials and 69 police personnel from district headquarters to the snow-covered regions of Marwah and Warwan in Kishtwar District.

Turning to Arunachal Pradesh, 30 polling personnel, inclusive of security staff and sector officers, were airlifted to four polling stations in the remote 20-Tali Assembly Constituency, bridging the considerable gap of 55-75 kilometers from the nearest road access point.

For the state of Maharashtra, an astonishing 180 sorties facilitated the mobilization of 850 polling officials to 206 polling stations within the demanding Gadchiroli-Chimur Parliamentary Constituency.

In Chhattisgarh, 177 sorties were executed to deploy 1000 personnel across 156 polling stations in the Bastar region, known for its susceptibility to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

Considering Manipur, a state grappling with enduring ethnic tensions since March 2013, a total of Eight sorties of an MI-17 helicopter played a vital role in transporting polling teams to four polling stations within the Henglep Assembly Constituency of Churachandpur district, part of the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

Lastly, in Bihar, Four sorties of an MI-17 helicopter were instrumental in airlifting 55 polling personnel from the remote Gaya Aurangabad region.

These collaborative efforts between the Indian Air Force and the Election Commission of India underscore the meticulous planning and execution required to ensure the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process.