Election Commission Concludes Assam Review with Focus on Voter List Accuracy
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized on Wednesday that the Special Revision of Assam's electoral roll was specifically designed to distinguish eligible voters from ineligible ones. The Election Commission's full bench, comprising Kumar alongside Election Commissioners SS Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi along with senior officials, wrapped up a comprehensive three-day assessment in the election-bound state.
Rationale Behind Special Revision in Assam
Addressing why Assam underwent a Special Revision while twelve other states conducted Special Intensive Revision, Kumar clarified that Assam's National Register of Citizens process is approaching its final phase. He stressed that electoral roll revision ahead of elections is a mandatory procedure under established regulations. "In Assam, the Special Revision was implemented with the sole objective of incorporating all eligible electors and removing all ineligible ones," Kumar stated, adding that political commentary does not alter the legal foundation of such processes.
Kumar detailed that Booth Level Officers conducted thorough house-to-house verification to compile the electoral roll. He assured that eligible voters omitted from the list can submit applications via Form 6, and if rejected by the electoral registration officer, they retain the right to appeal before the district magistrate.
Scale and Efficiency of the Electoral Exercise
Highlighting the magnitude of the operation, Kumar noted that against a draft roll exceeding 2.5 crore voters, merely 500 appeals were filed across districts. He attributed this low number to the diligent efforts of Booth Level Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, and Additional Registration Officers. Regarding modifications to the voter list, Kumar praised the performance of BLOs in managing deletions and new inclusions. "Adding and deleting voters' names and conducting elections constitute the core responsibilities of the Election Commission of India, and we are fulfilling these duties comprehensively," he affirmed.
Election Scheduling Considerations and New Initiatives
Following consultations with political parties and reviews with administrative and police authorities, Kumar indicated that the Assam election timetable will be formulated with consideration for Rongali Bihu. He mentioned that multiple parties requested polling before the mid-April festival. "Bihu represents the most significant festival in Assam. The Election Commission will make certain decisions mindful of Bihu dates," Kumar explained, noting that final determinations on polling dates and phases will be made after the Commission returns to Delhi and evaluates various factors.
Kumar also unveiled several innovative measures for the upcoming Assam elections:
- Voters will be permitted to carry mobile phones up to the polling station entrance.
- Electronic Voting Machines will, for the first time, display color photographs of candidates.
- "For the first time in Assam, 100 percent webcasting will be conducted from all polling stations," with oversight by returning officers and district magistrates.
Comprehensive Engagement During Assam Visit
Throughout their stay, the Commission engaged with heads and nodal officers of enforcement agencies such as Income Tax, narcotics, and excise departments. They also held review sessions with the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, the state police nodal officer, and Central Armed Police Forces. Additional meetings included the Assam Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and other senior officials. The Commission interacted with state SVEEP icon Rakesh Banik and approximately 100 Booth Level Officers, while distributing Elector Photo Identity Cards to two new voters.
