Lok Sabha Election 2024: CEC reviews preparations, directs states to ensure peaceful polls

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on April 3, directed chief secretaries, police chiefs of all states, and central agencies to ensure peaceful and inducement-free Lok Sabha polls.

Chief Election Commission Rajiv Kumar held a meeting with the top officers from all states and union territories to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, seizures, and strict vigil across inter-state and international borders during the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

CEC Kumar was also joined by the newly-appointed election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

“The purpose of the combined review was to bring all concerned stakeholders together on the same platform for seamless coordination and cooperation amongst officials of the neighboring states along with central agencies guarding the borders. The Commission, in detail, reviewed critical issues pertaining to each state,” said the poll panel in a statement.

During the meeting, Rajiv Kumar directed officers to ensure that every voter can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation and called on states as well as law enforcement agencies to convert their resolve into concrete actions for free, fair, peaceful, and intimidation-free elections.

The poll panel said that the key issues discussed during the meeting included the need for enhanced coordination among neighboring states, and diligent deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) provided adequately in all states.

The Commission also mentioned the importance of strict vigilance to curb the movement of contraband items, including narcotics, liquor, arms, and explosives across international borders. The poll panel also directed for identifying exit and entry points for the movement of liquor and cash along the borders, curbing illegal Ganja cultivation in some states.

The CEC also directed that there should be integrated check posts at international and inter-state borders for strict surveillance, and sharing of intelligence on criminals and antisocial elements between bordering districts.