New Delhi, March 24: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday convened a high-level review meeting with senior officials from poll-bound states and their neighbouring regions to strengthen coordination and ensure the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections.
According to an official statement, the meeting brought together Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and other top officials from five poll-going states and Union Territories, along with representatives from 12 adjoining regions. Heads of key enforcement and security agencies also participated in the discussions.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission undertook a comprehensive assessment of poll preparedness, law and order situations, and measures to curb electoral malpractices.
During the review, the ECI stressed the need for violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free elections, directing all stakeholders to maintain strict vigilance. Key focus areas included monitoring of law and order, seizures of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and arms, and strengthening surveillance at inter-state check posts.
Officials from poll-bound states briefed the Commission on their preparedness levels, enforcement measures already undertaken, and coordination mechanisms with central agencies and neighbouring states. They also flagged any operational challenges being faced on the ground.
The Commission placed special emphasis on heightened vigilance in border districts, directing authorities to seal inter-state borders where necessary to prevent the movement of illicit materials and ensure public order. Neighbouring states were asked to extend full cooperation to facilitate seamless enforcement and curb cross-border violations.
In addition, the ECI instructed central enforcement agencies—including the Income Tax Department, GST authorities, Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)—to intensify surveillance and carry out coordinated operations. Paramilitary forces have also been directed to step up deployment at sensitive locations.
The Commission underscored the importance of acting swiftly on actionable intelligence and maximising seizures of illegal inducements in the run-up to polling. It also called for the identification of expenditure-sensitive constituencies to ensure strict monitoring of campaign spending.
As per the election schedule, polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be held on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
