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ECI Set to Announce Poll Schedule for 4 States, Puducherry Today

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the election schedule for the assemblies of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Commission has completed its review of poll preparedness in these states, focusing on electoral rolls and security arrangements. In a significant move for West Bengal, the ECI has removed the district administration's authority over Central Armed Police Forces deployment, granting it instead to appointed police observers. A total of 480 CAPF companies have already arrived in West Bengal in two batches ahead of the polls.

Key Points: ECI to Announce Election Dates for 4 States, Puducherry

  • Poll schedule for 4 states & 1 UT
  • Security overhaul for West Bengal polls
  • 480 CAPF companies deployed in Bengal
  • ECI strips district officials of CAPF authority
2 min read

ECI likely to announce election schedule for poll-bound states today

Election Commission likely to announce poll schedule for Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Key security changes for West Bengal.

"it will be the ECI-nominated police observers for the polls who will determine the CAPF movements - Sources, CEO's office"

New Delhi, March 15

The Election Commission of India will likely announce the poll schedule on Sunday for four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu -- and one Union Territory, Puducherry.

After evaluating the election readiness in these states and UT recently, the Commission is ready to finalise the election timetable.

The poll body has actively reviewed poll preparedness for the elections in several states, including West Bengal on March 9, Kerala on March 6, and Tamil Nadu on February 26.

Additionally, the ECI reviewed Assam's poll preparedness in February, focusing on security and electoral rolls.

The Assam Assembly will conclude its term on May 20, whereas the Kerala Assembly will finalise its tenure on May 23.

In Tamil Nadu, the Assembly's term is scheduled to end on May 10, and in West Bengal, it will finish on May 7.

The Commission interacted with political parties, ensuring voter protection and assessing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployment.

To ensure the best possible utilisation of the CAPF for the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal, the ECI had decided to strip the district administration of the authority to determine the movement of the CAPF.

Until the last elections, District Magistrates, including District Electoral Officers, were authorised to determine the movement of the CAPF before, during, or after the polls while the MCC was in force.

However, this time, as the Commission decided, it will be the ECI-nominated police observers for the polls who will determine the CAPF movements for the respective districts.

The decision had been conveyed to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, during the two-day review tour of ECI's full bench on Monday and Tuesday (March 10), said sources in the CEO's office.

At the same time, the CEO's office sources said, district-specific composite teams will be formed to evaluate the pocket-specific requirement for CAPF deployment, and the decisions of the police officers in the matter will be final.

A total of 480 companies of the CAPF have arrived in West Bengal in two separate batches.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate the detailed planning. The focus on security and voter protection is paramount. The change in CAPF authority seems like a move to centralize control and prevent local influence, which is smart.
P
Priyanka N
Being from Tamil Nadu, I'm eager to see the dates. Our state always has high voter turnout. Hope the ECI ensures strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct from day one. No more freebies announcements once dates are out!
A
Aman W
The article mentions 480 CAPF companies for Bengal. That's a massive deployment. While security is important, I hope this doesn't create an atmosphere of fear for the common voter. Elections should be about development, not just law and order.
K
Karthik V
Good move by ECI to take CAPF movement control away from DMs. In previous elections, there were allegations of bias. Central observers should be more impartial. Now, let's see if the schedule allows enough time for campaigning given the pandemic.
M
Michael C
The logistical challenge of conducting elections in five different regions with diverse issues is immense. Kudos to the ECI for the groundwork. Hoping for a smooth process where every vote counts.

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