Should Burqa-Clad Voters Be Verified By Female Officers at Polling Booths?
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Synopsis
In a crucial pre-election meeting, Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal proposed significant measures, including the verification of burqa-clad voters by female officers, to ensure a fair electoral process. This initiative comes as part of broader security and operational recommendations as Bihar prepares for its state Assembly elections. Learn more about the key proposals!
Key Takeaways
- Verification of burqa-clad women by female officers at polling booths is proposed.
- Deployment of security forces in vulnerable areas to ensure voter safety.
- Timely distribution of voter slips and text alerts are crucial for voter preparedness.
- CCTV surveillance to enhance transparency at polling stations.
- Conducting polls in one or two phases to minimize costs.
Patna, Oct 4 (NationPress) As Bihar gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday to discuss critical recommendations. Among these was the necessity for heightened security and the verification of burqa-clad women by female officers at polling booths.
In a media briefing in Patna, Jaiswal commended the Election Commission of India for its effective and timely Special Intensive Revision of the voter list.
“We have advocated for the deployment of central paramilitary forces in villages primarily inhabited by backward, extremely backward, and Dalit communities. A flag march in these regions will help foster voter confidence. Additionally, we called for the presence of horse-mounted brigades in the Diara, Taal, and embankment areas to deter booth capturing,” Jaiswal explained.
The BJP leader drew attention to challenges encountered in the previous election.
“There were issues with the timely distribution of voter slips. This time, we have requested prompt distribution along with text message alerts and webcasting a day or two before polling. We also insisted on CCTV monitoring at all polling stations,” he added.
Jaiswal highlighted the BJP's call for conducting elections over one or two phases to minimize candidate expenses and simplify administrative tasks.
Voter security emerged as another significant concern.
According to him, the CEC emphasized the importance of collecting Form 17C, which documents the votes cast.
“The CEC noted that polling agents from parties sometimes leave before the polling concludes and later make allegations. He requested all parties ensure their representatives collect Form 17C before departing from the polling station,” Jaiswal stated.
He mentioned the CEC’s statement that after the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, a minimum of 28 days is required before elections can take place.
“We have urged him to announce the election dates promptly following this mandatory period,” Jaiswal concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the efforts of political leaders like Dilip Jaiswal in advocating for increased security and transparency during elections. While the suggestions put forth aim to build voter confidence, it is crucial to balance security measures with inclusivity to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key proposals made by Dilip Jaiswal?
Dilip Jaiswal proposed heavy security, verification of burqa-clad women by female officers, and timely distribution of voter slips, among other measures.
Why is the verification of burqa-clad voters important?
The verification aims to enhance security and ensure that all voters can exercise their rights without fear of malpractice or intimidation.
What security measures are suggested for polling booths?
Jaiswal suggested deploying central paramilitary forces and horse-mounted brigades in areas prone to booth capturing.
What is Form 17C?
Form 17C is a document that records the votes cast during the polling process, which is crucial for transparency.
How long does the Model Code of Conduct last?
Once imposed, the Model Code of Conduct requires a minimum of 28 days before elections can be conducted.
