Election Commission Directs Agencies to Act Proactively Ahead of Bengal Polls
In preparation for the forthcoming Bengal assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a directive for central and state enforcement agencies to adopt a proactive and prompt approach. During a virtual review meeting held on Thursday, senior deputy election commissioner Gyanesh Bharti instructed the heads and nodal officers of 25 enforcement agencies to function in full election mode, according to sources.
Enforcement Agencies Briefed on Election Duties
The meeting served as a briefing session ahead of a full bench review on poll preparedness scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Senior EC officials outlined the duties and responsibilities of enforcement agencies during the election period. Agencies have been directed to initiate search and seizure operations targeting illegal cash and arms. Additionally, they are required to maintain extra vigilance along borders to prevent unlawful activities that could disrupt the electoral process.
Focus on Postal Ballots and Administrative Preparations
During the review, officials from India Post were specifically instructed to ensure the timely delivery of postal ballots and Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). The income tax department and GST authorities were also asked to begin preparatory work in view of the elections, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across various government bodies.
Full Bench to Conduct In-Person Review in Kolkata
According to the itinerary, the EC's full bench—comprising chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi—will arrive in Kolkata on Sunday night. On Monday, they are scheduled to meet with recognised national and state political parties from 10 am to 12 pm. Further meetings with District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Inspector General/Deputy Inspector General (IG/DIG) Range officials will also be held.
Meetings with Senior State Officials Planned
On Tuesday, the Election Commission will hold additional meetings with senior state administrative officials, including chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty and Director General of Police (DGP) Peeyush Pandey. These sessions aim to ensure comprehensive poll preparedness and address any logistical or security concerns ahead of the elections.
The EC's directives underscore a heightened focus on maintaining integrity and order during the Bengal assembly polls, with enforcement agencies playing a critical role in safeguarding the electoral process.
