UDIT VANI Ranchi: During a two-day review visit to Jharkhand, the Election Commission of India (ECI) convened a meeting with nearly 20 central and state enforcement agencies, including the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), State and Central GST, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), State Police, Income Tax Department, and Enforcement Directorate. The Commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring inducement-free elections.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance towards the use of money power during elections. He cautioned officials against any undue harassment of the public in the name of checks during the electoral process.
In a series of directives to enforcement agencies, the Commission called for coordinated efforts to curb the inflow of illicit liquor, cash, and drugs into the state. Agencies were instructed to synchronize and update their route maps regarding the flow of inducements, maintaining sensitivity to on-ground realities. The State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) was tasked with ensuring the formation of joint teams from police, transport, State GST, excise, and forest departments to act in a coordinated manner.
The police and excise departments were directed to focus on taking action against liquor and drug kingpins and to establish backward linkages for wider deterrence. The Commission also highlighted the importance of reviewing interstate border arrangements, especially those related to the influx of illicit liquor and drugs, with particular attention to the borders with West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.
To enhance security, the Commission mandated 24×7 CCTV monitoring at critical checkpoints along interstate borders. It also emphasized monitoring the movement of synthetic drugs and the rigorous tracking of cannabis and poppy cultivation, particularly in districts such as Palamu, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Latehar, Gumla, and Khunti. The National Highways connecting Jharkhand with Odisha and West Bengal will be under close scrutiny, alongside road, rail, and forest routes.
In addition, enforcement agencies were instructed to share intelligence mutually and work together cohesively. The State Level Bankers Committee was directed to ensure that cash transfers occur only in designated vehicles during specified hours, while strict vigilance was mandated over illicit online cash transfers through e-wallets. The movement of cargo via airstrips and helipads will also be closely monitored.
Law and Order Preparedness
During the review, the Commission met with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to assess overall poll preparedness and law and order issues. The Chief Secretary was directed to ensure accessible minimum facilities (AMFs) at all polling stations, and the DGP was instructed to maintain regular coordination meetings with counterparts in neighboring states. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of implementing laws and ECI guidelines impartially and without bias.
Detailed Election Planning and Conduct Review
On the second day of the review, the Commission held a detailed discussion with District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Divisional Commissioners, and Inspector Generals regarding all aspects of election planning and conduct. The Commission addressed various issues raised by political parties during previous meetings, underscoring the need for free and fair elections while maintaining the highest standards of impartiality.
CEC Kumar stressed the importance of creating a festive and comfortable voting experience for voters, urging DEOs to engage the electorate through innovative voter awareness and outreach activities to boost voter turnout. He suggested that DEOs organize SVEEP activities utilizing local culture and sports, such as archery and hockey, along with painting competitions featuring local tribal themes. Local influencers and icons should also be involved in awareness initiatives.
In light of addressing urban apathy observed in past elections, DEOs were instructed to intensify outreach activities in urban centers like Bokaro, Dhanbad, and Ranchi. Additionally, all DEOs and SPs were directed to monitor social media for fake news and to take swift legal action when necessary.
The Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer provided an overview of the election preparations, including the Special Summary revision of Electoral Rolls with July 1, 2024, as the qualifying date. The final electoral roll was published on August 27, 2024, with copies distributed free of cost to all recognized parties. The Commission meticulously reviewed law and order requirements alongside the CEO and SPNO to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
Senior officials from the Commission were also present during these crucial review meetings.
