Election Commission Intensifies Border Security for Poll-Bound States
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a robust initiative to secure the border districts of five states and one Union Territory that are preparing for elections. In a decisive move, the commission has issued directives to seal inter-state boundaries, aiming to curb illicit movement and maintain peace and order throughout the electoral process.
Heightened Vigilance and Coordination
Alongside 19 central agencies, the ECI has specifically instructed the Assam Rifles to ensure heightened vigilance in the states heading to the polls and in areas bordering these states and UTs. This includes enhanced checks at inter-state check posts to prevent any disruptions. The commission's strategy signals a zero-tolerance approach to electoral malpractices, with a focus on ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Assam's Strategic Role in Poll Preparedness
Given Assam's strategic location and sensitive borders, the ECI has placed the state at the core of its poll preparedness drive. This was emphasized during a high-level review meeting aimed at strengthening coordination ahead of the 2026 assembly elections scheduled for April 9. Assam shares its borders with six states—Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya—as well as international boundaries with Bangladesh and Bhutan, making it a critical area for security measures.
Directives to Neighbouring States and Agencies
The ECI has directed neighbouring border states to extend full cooperation to the poll-going states and Union Territories, implementing all possible measures to ensure elections remain free from inducements and violence. The review covered several critical areas:
- Law and order management in sensitive districts
- Seizure of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and arms
- Deployment at inter-state check posts
- Identification of expenditure-sensitive constituencies
Enhanced Surveillance by Central Agencies
Central enforcement and security agencies, including the IT department, GST authorities, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Assam Rifles, have been directed to intensify surveillance and step up coordinated operations. These efforts are particularly focused on inter-state check posts, with agencies urged to act swiftly on actionable intelligence and maximize seizures of illegal inducements in the run-up to polling.
Comprehensive Ban on Exit Polls
In a significant move, the ECI has announced a comprehensive ban on the conduct, publication, or dissemination of exit polls during the ongoing assembly election cycle. In Assam, this restriction will be in force from 7 am on April 9, when polling begins, until 6:30 pm on April 29, marking the conclusion of polling across all phases in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
This order, issued under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits the display or publicizing of exit poll results through print, electronic media, or any other form of communication during the specified period. The aim is to ensure free and fair elections by preventing undue influence on voters while polling is underway in different parts of the country.
