NewKerala.com

Congress Demands Fair Polls as EC Announces 5-State Election Schedule

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir welcomed the announcement but urged the EC to ensure no valid voter is left out and that elections remain a fair democratic exercise. Polling will be held in a single phase for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, while West Bengal will vote in two phases. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically in this "festival of pride."

Key Points: EC Announces Assembly Poll Dates for 5 States, Congress Calls for Fairness

  • EC announces poll dates for 5 states/UT
  • Congress welcomes schedule, demands fairness
  • West Bengal polls in 2 phases, others single phase
  • Voting from April 9, results May 4
2 min read

Congress' Ghulam Ahmad Mir calls for fair polls after EC announces dates for 4 states, 1 UT

Election Commission sets dates for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry polls. Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir urges inclusive, fair elections.

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure fair elections... - Ghulam Ahmad Mir"

Anantnag, March 15

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Sunday welcomed the Election Commission's announcement of assembly poll dates for four states and one Union Territory.

He urged the Commission to ensure that no valid voter is left out and emphasised that elections should remain a fair and inclusive democratic exercise.

Speaking to the reporters, Mir said, "India is known all over the world for democracy and elections. The elections here are always celebrated like a festival. Elections are to be held in 5 states. Elections will be held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. For West Bengal, we demanded that elections be held in a single phase."

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure fair elections, and for that, they have announced elections in 2 phases in West Bengal... This date could have been pushed even further... We demand that not a single valid voter in West Bengal is left out," he said.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly polls for Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. As per the announcement, the assembly elections will commence from April 9.

Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9 in a single phase.

While in West Bengal, the first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23 in a single phase.

Counting of votes for all five states and UTs is scheduled for May 4.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital today, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar termed the assembly polls a "festival of pride" and urged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically.

The CEC made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, saying, "My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish politicians would focus less on demanding single-phase polls and more on their actual manifesto and work. The EC's phased plan for Bengal is probably based on security assessments. Let the professionals do their job.
A
Aman W
Elections truly are a festival in India! The energy, the debates, the voter awareness campaigns... it's a unique part of our culture. Excited to see how things unfold in these states. Hope the young voters turn out in large numbers.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, India's election process is truly massive and impressive. The logistical challenge of organizing polls in so many states simultaneously is staggering. The focus on inclusivity for every valid voter is commendable.
V
Vikram M
Good point by Mir sir. Inclusivity is key. In past elections, we've seen issues with names missing from voter lists, especially in remote areas. The EC must double-check and ensure no citizen is deprived of their fundamental right. Jai Hind!
K
Kriti O
The CEC's message to first-time voters is spot on! My younger brother will be voting for the first time in Tamil Nadu and he's so excited. This is how we build a responsible citizenry. Hope all parties keep the campaign issue-based and respectful.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50