EC Vows Free, Fair and Violence-Free Polls in Five States
With Assembly elections announced in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, the Election Commission of India has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the poll body has “zero tolerance” for violence, intimidation or inducement of voters, stressing that every elector must be able to vote without fear or favour.
The Commission has issued strict directives to administrative and police machinery in all poll-bound states to prevent malpractice, including booth capturing and illegal voting. Officials have been told to ensure a peaceful environment throughout the electoral process.
To guarantee a level playing field, the EC has deployed 1,111 central observers and ordered wide-ranging administrative reshuffles, from district-level officers to senior posts such as Director General of Police and Home Secretary. The steps are aimed at removing any perception of bias and ensuring impartial conduct of elections.
The measures come amid criticism from opposition parties, including the All India Trinamool Congress, which have accused the Commission of favouring the ruling dispensation at the Centre. The EC, however, has maintained that it is acting strictly within the framework of the Constitution and without political bias.
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