Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Reviews Maharashtra Election Preparations
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, reviewed the preparations in Maharashtra for the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting included all District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Municipal Commissioners (MCs), Divisional Commissioners, Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Inspector Generals (IGs).
Key Directives from the Meeting
CEC Rajiv Kumar directed DEOs and SPs to ensure minimum facilities and proper management of voter queues at polling stations. He instructed DEOs to personally visit polling stations to check all arrangements, including benches for voters, drinking water, and parking in congested areas. Proper signage and directions at multiple polling stations in one location were also emphasized.
The Election Commission sought updates on electoral offences related to FIRs from the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. CEC Kumar insisted on a swift response to fake news on social media and directed that all cases related to personnel, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and social media be reviewed.
Concerns and Instructions
During the review, CEC Kumar questioned why over 100 police inspectors are in key positions in Mumbai despite a directive to transfer officials who have been in their posts for more than three years. He expressed displeasure at the non-compliance with Election Commission orders and asked the Chief Secretary for an explanation.
Kumar also instructed the Excise Commissioner to stop the flow of illegal liquor from neighboring states and directed enforcement agencies to check helicopters of all leaders and star campaigners. He warned against illegal cash movement disguised as police vans and ambulances and ordered the Narcotics Control Bureau Director to monitor inter-border drug movement.
Upcoming Elections
The ECI delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar is in Mumbai to oversee preparations for the assembly elections, which will be held in 288 constituencies. The term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26, and the elections will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and the Maha Yuti Alliance.
Doubts Revealed
Chief Election Commissioner -: The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India, which is responsible for conducting elections in the country.
Rajiv Kumar -: Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing the election process.
Election Commissioners -: Election Commissioners are officials who help the Chief Election Commissioner in managing and conducting elections.
Gyanesh Kumar -: Gyanesh Kumar is one of the Election Commissioners working with the Chief Election Commissioner.
SS Sandhu -: SS Sandhu is another Election Commissioner helping in the election preparations.
Maharashtra assembly elections -: These are elections to choose representatives for the legislative assembly of the state of Maharashtra.
Polling stations -: Polling stations are places where people go to vote during elections.
Fake news -: Fake news is false information spread to mislead people.
Illegal activities -: Illegal activities are actions that break the law, like bribery or tampering with votes.
Constituencies -: Constituencies are areas that elect a representative to the legislative assembly.
Illegal liquor and drugs -: Illegal liquor and drugs are alcohol and substances that are sold or used against the law.
