GUWAHATI: A high-level delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is on a 2 day visit to Assam to assess the state’s preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, held a detailed and comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Legislative Assembly Elections in Assam in Guwahati on February 17. During the day review visit, the Commission interacted with the representatives of recognised national and state political parties namely Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, All India United Democratic Front, Asom Gana Parishad, United People’s Party Liberal and Bodoland People’s Front and sought their suggestions.
The Commission interacted with each of the political parties, giving them an opportunity to present their views, concerns and suggestions to ensure that the forthcoming elections in the State are held in a transparent and impartial manner. The majority of political parties requested that the elections be conducted in a single phase or a maximum of two phases. The Political Parties also placed the demand to schedule the election dates keeping in mind the Bihu festival. The Political Parties generally appreciated the conduct of Special Revision of the Electoral Rolls in Assam. The parties also gave suggestions for ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections in the state. Following the interaction with the Political Parties, the Commission held a detailed review with the IGs, DIGs, DEOs and SSPs on every aspect of election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar underscored that the elections must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution, relevant laws, and ECI instructions. The Commission directed all DEOs, SSPs, and state administrations to act with complete impartiality and ensure prompt resolution of the complaints and grievances of the political parties. The Commission also directed that efforts be made to create a pleasant voting experience by making polling stations festive, welcoming, and voter-friendly. All DEOs and SPs were instructed to monitor social media for fake news and to respond swiftly with appropriate legal action, if required.
The BJP team comprised Lok Sabha MP and State Election Committee Convenor Pradan Baruah, Education Minister and Election Manifesto Committee Convenor Siddhartha Bhattacharya, and State Election Cell Convenor Dhrubajyoti Dauka. The delegation maintained that Assam’s improved road network, stronger connectivity, and stable law-and-order environment provide conducive conditions for holding the elections within a compact timeframe. According to BJP leaders, conducting the polls prior to Rongali Bihu would allow voters and administrative machinery to participate in the electoral process without overlapping with major cultural engagements across the state.
