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ECI Reviews Tamil Nadu Poll Prep, Vows Free & Fair Assembly Elections

The Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, conducted a comprehensive review of preparedness for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in Chennai. The Commission met with representatives from various national and state political parties, who suggested stringent measures against money power and freebies while appreciating the recent electoral roll revision. Following this, the ECI held detailed meetings with enforcement agencies and district officials, directing them to act with complete impartiality and clamp down on inducements. The Commission emphasized zero tolerance for deviations from electoral laws and prioritized voter comfort and accessibility at polling stations.

Key Points: ECI Reviews Tamil Nadu Election Preparedness, Meets Parties

  • ECI reviews Tamil Nadu Assembly poll prep
  • Parties urge curb on money power, freebies
  • Commission directs enforcement agencies for impartiality
  • Focus on voter comfort, robust training for officials
2 min read

ECI reviews poll preparedness for upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

Election Commission reviews Tamil Nadu poll readiness, meets political parties to ensure free, fair elections and curb money power.

"elections are always held as per law in a free, fair and transparent manner - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

Chennai, February 26

The Election Commission of India on Thursday conducted a detailed review of poll preparedness for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, led the comprehensive assessment in Chennai.

As per the ECI statement, during the review visit, the Commission interacted with the representatives of recognised national and state political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress (INC), and the National People's Party (NPP), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and sought their suggestions.

Most of the political parties appreciated the Election Commission for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls in Tamil Nadu. Political parties urged the Commission to take stringent measures to curb the use of money power and distribution of freebies during elections. Some political parties asked for an increase in the number of flying squads to curb malpractices during elections, said the ECI.

Some of the political parties urged the Commission to keep in mind the upcoming festivals while finalising the dates of elections.

Assuring the political parties that their suggestions will be considered, CEC Gyanesh Kumar assured all the political parties that elections are always held as per law in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Following the interaction with the Political Parties, the Commission held a detailed review with the Heads and Nodal Officers of Enforcement Agencies, IGs, DIGs, DEOs, SPs on every aspect of election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.

As per the statement, the Commission directed all Heads and Nodal Officers of Enforcement Agencies to act with complete impartiality and firmly clamp down on all inducement-related activities.

The Commission also directed all DEOs and SPs to prioritise voters' comfort and accessibility at polling stations, and impart robust training to officials and ensure wide awareness about electoral processes.

The Commission also directed the officers to ensure absolute impartiality and act without fear or favour and underscored that there will be zero tolerance towards any deviation from the laws, rules and related elections with respect to the conduct of elections.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a voter from Coimbatore, my main concern is the distribution of cash and liquor. Flying squads need to be more active, especially in rural areas. The Commission's assurance is welcome, but action on the ground matters more.
S
Siddharth J
Respectfully, I have to point out that these reviews often feel like a formality. The same issues of money power and intimidation come up every election. The "zero tolerance" promise needs to be visible to the common voter, not just in statements.
A
Anjali F
Considering festival dates is a thoughtful touch. Many people travel to their native places during festivals. Scheduling should ensure maximum voter turnout. Good move by the ECI.
K
Karthik V
The involvement of all enforcement agencies is key. Seizures before the 2021 elections were record-breaking. Hope they replicate that vigilance. Impartiality of officials is non-negotiable for a fair poll.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the range of parties involved, from national to very regional ones. The ECI's job in a diverse state like Tamil Nadu is complex. Voter awareness and comfort at polling stations are basic but essential points to get right.

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

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