Election Commission of India Set to Reveal Poll Schedule for Key States Today
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is anticipated to unveil the electoral schedule today for four states: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, along with one Union Territory, Puducherry.
The Commission has recently assessed the electoral readiness in these regions and is prepared to finalize the election timeline.
In its evaluations, the poll body has closely monitored the preparations in various states, with inspections conducted in West Bengal on March 9, Kerala on March 6, and Tamil Nadu on February 26.
Moreover, the ECI also analyzed the readiness of Assam in February, particularly concentrating on security arrangements and the electoral rolls.
The Assam Assembly is set to conclude its term on May 20, while the Kerala Assembly will end on May 23.
In Tamil Nadu, the Assembly's tenure is projected to conclude on May 10, and in West Bengal, it will come to an end on May 7.
The Commission has engaged with political parties to ensure voter safety and evaluate the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
To guarantee optimal use of the CAPF during the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, the ECI has decided to revoke the district administration's authority concerning CAPF movement.
Previously, District Magistrates, including District Electoral Officers, had the power to dictate CAPF movements during the election period when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was active.
This time, however, the movements will be determined by ECI-nominated police observers for the relevant districts.
This adjustment was communicated to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal during a two-day review conducted by the ECI's full bench on Monday and Tuesday (March 10), as reported by sources in the CEO's office.
Additionally, the CEO's office revealed that district-specific composite teams will be established to assess the specific CAPF deployment needs for various pockets, with the decisions of the police officers being final.
A total of 480 companies of the CAPF have already arrived in West Bengal in two batches.