With Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry around the corner, the Election Commission has outlined an extensive plan to ensure that the polls are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in a conversation with Hindustan Times, stressed that the Election Commission of India maintains zero tolerance towards any form of violence, intimidation, or inducement aimed at voters. He chose not to respond in detail to the criticism raised by Opposition parties.
The Commission has issued clear instructions to both electoral and administrative authorities in all poll-bound states to prevent any malpractice throughout the election process. Officials have been specifically directed to ensure that there is no booth capturing, source capturing, or illegal vote stamping during voting.
To maintain fairness, the Election Commission has taken steps to create a level playing field for all political parties. It has acted against officials seen as biased and ordered a large-scale reshuffle of key administrative positions, including superintendent of police, district magistrates, district electoral officers, range officers, as well as senior roles such as Director General of Police, Home Secretary, and Chief Secretary.
In addition, 1,111 central observers have been deployed across the poll-bound states to oversee the process and ensure that elections are conducted in line with constitutional provisions.
The reshuffle has been particularly significant in states like West Bengal, where concerns were raised about officials being aligned with the ruling party. According to a former Chief Election Commissioner, some officers had previously faced punishment for carrying out their duties lawfully, while others who supported those in power were rewarded with influential postings.
Despite accusations from Opposition parties in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala that the Commission is biased in favour of the ruling party at the Centre, the Election Commission has remained firm, stating that it is carrying out its responsibilities without favouritism and in accordance with the law.
