The Election Commission of India on Tuesday convened a high-level review meeting with top administrative and law enforcement officials from poll-bound states and their neighbouring regions to assess preparedness and ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. S. S. Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, brought together Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from five poll-bound states—Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal—as well as twelve adjoining states and Union Territories.
The Commission conducted a comprehensive review of poll preparedness, focusing on law and order, expenditure monitoring, and coordination among agencies. Six additional states where bye-elections are scheduled were also part of the review process.
A key aspect of the meeting involved assessing enforcement actions, including seizures of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and arms. The Commission also evaluated the functioning of interstate checkpoints and identified expenditure-sensitive constituencies to curb the influence of money power in the upcoming elections.
Officials from the poll-bound states briefed the Commission on their readiness, highlighting measures taken to maintain law and order, enforce the Model Code of Conduct, and coordinate with central agencies and neighbouring states. They also flagged concerns and pending issues requiring attention ahead of the polls.
Special emphasis was placed on securing border districts and sealing interstate boundaries to prevent the movement of illicit materials and ensure peaceful polling. In this regard, neighbouring states were directed to extend full cooperation and take proactive measures to support poll-bound regions.
The Commission also issued strict directives to central enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Enforcement Directorate, Indian Coast Guard, and Assam Rifles, to intensify surveillance and enforcement.
Additionally, agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, Income Tax Department, Central Goods and Services Tax authorities, and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence were instructed to ramp up operations in the run-up to the elections.
The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections, underscoring the importance of coordinated action among all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
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