New Delhi: Ahead of the Lok Sabha Polls, the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, on Saturday affirmed the Election Commission’s readiness to conduct the 2024 Parliamentary elections and state Assembly elections, stating that all necessary preparations are nearing completion.
#WATCH | Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says, ” …We are fully prepared to conduct 2024 Parliamentary elections and state Assembly elections. All the preparations are almost complete” pic.twitter.com/558LkXUgXm
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024
Notably, Rajiv Kumar also responded on the Supreme Court’s verdict on the electoral bonds, saying, ” Whatever is the order (of Supreme Court). We were also a party in this case…our stand in the Supreme Court was that we are in favour of transparency…we will take action as directed in the order”
#WATCH | On the Supreme Court’s verdict on the electoral bonds, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says, ” Whatever is the order (of Supreme Court). We were also a party in this case…our stand in the Supreme Court was that we are in favour of transparency…we will take… pic.twitter.com/NHqvokRTrX
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024
Regarding the upcoming Odisha Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar disclosed significant measures aimed at enhancing transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. He revealed out of 37809, polling stations, there will be webcasting arrangements on 22,685 polling stations…person with disabilities, youth and women will be kept as key focus, for that there will be 300 polling stations which will be managed by persons with disabilities…”
#WATCH | Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: On Odisha Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says, ” In 50% of polling stations, there will be webcasting facility. Out of 37809, polling stations, there will be webcasting arrangements on 22,685 polling stations…person… pic.twitter.com/vQWgFD0KJ8
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024
Chief Election Commissioner also alluded to measures for making electoral rolls more inclusive.
VIDEO | Here’s what Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
“The (Election) Commission has tried to make electoral rolls more inclusive. We made special efforts for 3,380 third-gender voters to enroll them,” he said.
(Full… pic.twitter.com/UypEjtWRM0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024
On Friday, an ECI delegation undertook a comprehensive assessment of the electoral readiness for the upcoming simultaneous elections to both the Lok Sabha and the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar.
Chaired by CEC Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Arun Goel, the ECI convened a meeting to oversee the preparations. During the session, the ECI team meticulously reviewed the readiness of District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure seamless conduct of the electoral process, according to news agency ANI. Furthermore, the ECI engaged in discussions with representatives from major political parties, including the Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Uttarakhand: CEC Holds High-level Meet Over Law & Order Ahead Of LS Polls
Chief Electoral Officer Dr. BVRC Purushottam chaired a high-level meeting at the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium in the Secretariat on Saturday, focusing on law and order, as well as the deployment of police and central security forces in Uttarakhand in view of the upcoming general elections, reported news agency ANI.
He emphasised the need for thorough planning regarding the additional deployment of district-wise and central police forces. Furthermore, he instructed the formulation of a comprehensive plan for inter-state and inter-district monitoring, emphasising its effective implementation. He also directed the installation of CCTV cameras and surveillance systems at every checkpoint. Additionally, he called for the establishment of surveillance and check posts by the police and excise departments at various locations to uphold law and order during the electoral period, as per ANI’s report.
Purushottam further instructed a review and verification of the list of arms license holders issued across all districts in the state. Moreover, he tasked the police department with compiling a comprehensive list of history-sheeters and gangsters across various districts to ensure a secure electoral process. Additionally, special arrangements were directed to be made by the police department to ensure 100% voting participation among personnel on duty, the report further mentioned.
Key officials were present in the meeting including Police Election State Nodal Additional Director General of Police A P Anshuman, Inspector General of Police Dr Nilesh Anand Bharane, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Jogdande, Deputy Inspector General of Police P Renuka Devi, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Namami Bansal, Pratap Shah, and representatives from the Excise Department alongside other departments, as per ANI.
