News Analysis India

Tag: Election Commission

  • SC refuses to stay ongoing delimitation of LS, assembly seats in Assam 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the ongoing delimitation of Lok Sabha and assembly seats in Assam by the Election Commission and sought the response of the Centre and the poll panel on a batch of pleas on the issue.

    A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, agreed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 empowering the Election Commission to undertake the delimitation of constituencies.

    The top court sought the replies of the Centre and the Election Commission on the petitions in three weeks and said the petitioners can file their rejoinders in two weeks after that.

    Ten leaders representing nine opposition parties in Assam- Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI(M), CPI, TMC, NCP, RJD, and Anchalik Gana Morcha- recently filed a plea in the top court challenging the ongoing delimitation process.

    Two other pleas are also pending before the court on this aspect.

    The petitioners have specifically challenged the methodology adopted by the poll panel and its proposals notified on June 20, 2023.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the ongoing delimitation of Lok Sabha and assembly seats in Assam by the Election Commission and sought the response of the Centre and the poll panel on a batch of pleas on the issue.

    A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, agreed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 empowering the Election Commission to undertake the delimitation of constituencies.

    The top court sought the replies of the Centre and the Election Commission on the petitions in three weeks and said the petitioners can file their rejoinders in two weeks after that.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Ten leaders representing nine opposition parties in Assam- Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI(M), CPI, TMC, NCP, RJD, and Anchalik Gana Morcha- recently filed a plea in the top court challenging the ongoing delimitation process.

    Two other pleas are also pending before the court on this aspect.

    The petitioners have specifically challenged the methodology adopted by the poll panel and its proposals notified on June 20, 2023.

  • After Covid-induced break, EC restarts review of recognised party status; hears 3 national, 6 state parties

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: After a halt due to the Covid pandemic, the Election Commission (EC) has restarted the process of reviewing the recognised status of political parties based on their performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and has given individual hearings to NCP and CPI, two of the eight recognised national parties.

    EC sources said TMC was also called. When asked whether he had represented his party before the EC on Thursday, TMC MP Sukhendu Shekar Ray replied in the negative.

    The commission has also heard six recognised state parties based on paras 6A, B and C of the Election Symbol (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The paragraphs deal with criteria for parties to get national or state party status.

    After the 2019 parliamentary polls, the EC had issued notices to TMC, CPI and NCP, asking why their status should not be downgraded based on the outcome of the general election. However, the process could not move forward due to the pandemic. In November last year, the poll panel revived the process.

    On Tuesday, it heard the response of the Nationalist Congress Party and the CPI.

    “It is a routine exercise. We gave a written representation to EC explaining that we are the oldest political party and have been taking part in parliamentary democracy, formed government on its own in Kerala and have been part of many coalition governments,” CPI general secretary D Raja said.

    An NCP representative had submitted details to EC officials.  A senior party leader described the notice as a “routine matter”.

    “It is an ongoing process that is carried out after every election. Things might have changed for some parties after the recent assembly polls in three states. After Karnataka polls, things could change for other parties,” explained a party functionary. Earlier, the Election Commission heard six state parties to seek their views on the notices. 

    These are Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Mizoram Peoples Conference, Rashtriya Lok Dal, People’s Democratic Alliance, Pattali Makkal Katchi and Revolutionary Socialist Party.

    A recognised national party can contest on all Lok Sabha and assembly seats on its symbol. It also gets to field more star campaigners for electioneering.

    BJP, BSP, CPI, CPI-M, Congress, TMC, NCP and National People’s Party are the eight recognised national parties. There are over 50 recognised state parties.

    NEW DELHI: After a halt due to the Covid pandemic, the Election Commission (EC) has restarted the process of reviewing the recognised status of political parties based on their performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and has given individual hearings to NCP and CPI, two of the eight recognised national parties.

    EC sources said TMC was also called. When asked whether he had represented his party before the EC on Thursday, TMC MP Sukhendu Shekar Ray replied in the negative.

    The commission has also heard six recognised state parties based on paras 6A, B and C of the Election Symbol (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The paragraphs deal with criteria for parties to get national or state party status.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    After the 2019 parliamentary polls, the EC had issued notices to TMC, CPI and NCP, asking why their status should not be downgraded based on the outcome of the general election. However, the process could not move forward due to the pandemic. In November last year, the poll panel revived the process.

    On Tuesday, it heard the response of the Nationalist Congress Party and the CPI.

    “It is a routine exercise. We gave a written representation to EC explaining that we are the oldest political party and have been taking part in parliamentary democracy, formed government on its own in Kerala and have been part of many coalition governments,” CPI general secretary D Raja said.

    An NCP representative had submitted details to EC officials.  A senior party leader described the notice as a “routine matter”.

    “It is an ongoing process that is carried out after every election. Things might have changed for some parties after the recent assembly polls in three states. After Karnataka polls, things could change for other parties,” explained a party functionary. Earlier, the Election Commission heard six state parties to seek their views on the notices. 

    These are Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Mizoram Peoples Conference, Rashtriya Lok Dal, People’s Democratic Alliance, Pattali Makkal Katchi and Revolutionary Socialist Party.

    A recognised national party can contest on all Lok Sabha and assembly seats on its symbol. It also gets to field more star campaigners for electioneering.

    BJP, BSP, CPI, CPI-M, Congress, TMC, NCP and National People’s Party are the eight recognised national parties. There are over 50 recognised state parties.

  • EC develops prototype of remote voting machine for domestic migrant voters

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday said it has developed a prototype of the remote electronic voting machine for domestic migrant voters and has invited political parties for a demonstration on January 16.

    The poll panel has also floated a concept note on remote voting and sought the views of political parties on the legal, administrative and technical challenges in implementing it, according to a statement.

    The multi-constituency remote EVM, developed by a public sector undertaking, can handle up to 72 constituencies from a single remote polling booth.

    “After focus on youth and urban apathy, remote voting will be a transformational initiative for strengthening participation in electoral democracy,” Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday said it has developed a prototype of the remote electronic voting machine for domestic migrant voters and has invited political parties for a demonstration on January 16.

    The poll panel has also floated a concept note on remote voting and sought the views of political parties on the legal, administrative and technical challenges in implementing it, according to a statement.

    The multi-constituency remote EVM, developed by a public sector undertaking, can handle up to 72 constituencies from a single remote polling booth.

    “After focus on youth and urban apathy, remote voting will be a transformational initiative for strengthening participation in electoral democracy,” Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.

  • SC questions ‘lightning speed’ appointment process of Election Commissioner Arun Goel

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the process adopted for appointing Arun Goel as an Election Commissioner (EC), and said his file got clearances in “haste” and with a “tearing hurry”.

    As the apex court observed that the file pertaining to Goel’s appointment was cleared with “lightning speed”, the Centre through Attorney General R Venkataramani asked the court to “hold its mouth” and requested it to look into the matter in its entirety.

    “What kind of evaluation is this? Although, we are not questioning the merits of Arun Goel’s credentials but the process,” a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice K M Joseph said.

    The top-most law officer told the bench, which was making a volley of comments on the issue, “Please hold your mouth for a while. I request to look into the issue in its entirety”.

    ALSO READ | ‘Complete breakdown of system’ if the CEC does not act against the PM: Supreme court

    It perused the original file of Goel’s appointment as an EC, which was placed before the bench by the Centre in pursuance of Wednesday’s direction given by the top court.

    The bench said 1985-batch IAS officer Goel got voluntary retirement from service in a single day, his file was cleared by the Law Ministry in a single day, a panel of four names were put up before the prime minister and Goel’s name got the nod from the President within 24 hours.

    ALSO READ | ‘Wrong to assume having judge in EC appointment panel will ensure transparency’: Centre to SC

    The bench is hearing a batch of pleas seeking a collegium-like system for the appointment of ECs and the Chief Election Commissioner.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the process adopted for appointing Arun Goel as an Election Commissioner (EC), and said his file got clearances in “haste” and with a “tearing hurry”.

    As the apex court observed that the file pertaining to Goel’s appointment was cleared with “lightning speed”, the Centre through Attorney General R Venkataramani asked the court to “hold its mouth” and requested it to look into the matter in its entirety.

    “What kind of evaluation is this? Although, we are not questioning the merits of Arun Goel’s credentials but the process,” a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice K M Joseph said.

    The top-most law officer told the bench, which was making a volley of comments on the issue, “Please hold your mouth for a while. I request to look into the issue in its entirety”.

    ALSO READ | ‘Complete breakdown of system’ if the CEC does not act against the PM: Supreme court

    It perused the original file of Goel’s appointment as an EC, which was placed before the bench by the Centre in pursuance of Wednesday’s direction given by the top court.

    The bench said 1985-batch IAS officer Goel got voluntary retirement from service in a single day, his file was cleared by the Law Ministry in a single day, a panel of four names were put up before the prime minister and Goel’s name got the nod from the President within 24 hours.

    ALSO READ | ‘Wrong to assume having judge in EC appointment panel will ensure transparency’: Centre to SC

    The bench is hearing a batch of pleas seeking a collegium-like system for the appointment of ECs and the Chief Election Commissioner.

  • Gujarat polls: EC removes General Observer from duty for posting pictures on social media

    By ANI

    GANDHINAGAR: IAS Abhishek Singh, who was appointed as the General Observer for two constituencies in Ahmedabad – Bapunagar and Asarwa has been removed from the election duty by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for flaunting his recent posting as Observer on his social media account on Friday.

    IAS Abhishek Singh’s charge has been given to IAS Krishan Bajpai, who is also appointed as the General Observer for other nearby constituencies, till a general observer is appointed in place of Singh by ECI.

    Ajay Bhatt, Joint Chief Electoral Officer told ANI, “Abhishek Singh has been removed for his post on Instagram and Krishan Bajpai has been given charge until a general observer is appointed.”

    On his social media, Singh posted a picture of him standing next to the official vehicle, which reads “Election Commission of India Observer” on the plate in front.

    IAS Krishan Bajpai will be in charge of the two constituencies which were earlier under Singh’s observation, namely Bapunagar and Asarwa till a new observer is appointed by the Election Commission and takes charge.

    The state of Gujarat which has 182 assembly constituencies will go for polling in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will occur on December 8, which coincides with Himachal Pradesh’s result date.

    Gujarat where the ruling party which has been in power for over 27 years will be seeking its seventh term in office.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been Gujarat’s longest-serving chief minister from 2001 till 2014.

    The state has been a BJP stronghold for a long and the party has set its sights on returning to power with a handsome majority this time as well.

    However, it faces a stiff electoral challenge from the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has named Isudan Gadhvi as its chief ministerial candidate.

    Congress is also hoping to put its best electoral foot forward to unseat the BJP government. 

    GANDHINAGAR: IAS Abhishek Singh, who was appointed as the General Observer for two constituencies in Ahmedabad – Bapunagar and Asarwa has been removed from the election duty by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for flaunting his recent posting as Observer on his social media account on Friday.

    IAS Abhishek Singh’s charge has been given to IAS Krishan Bajpai, who is also appointed as the General Observer for other nearby constituencies, till a general observer is appointed in place of Singh by ECI.

    Ajay Bhatt, Joint Chief Electoral Officer told ANI, “Abhishek Singh has been removed for his post on Instagram and Krishan Bajpai has been given charge until a general observer is appointed.”

    On his social media, Singh posted a picture of him standing next to the official vehicle, which reads “Election Commission of India Observer” on the plate in front.

    IAS Krishan Bajpai will be in charge of the two constituencies which were earlier under Singh’s observation, namely Bapunagar and Asarwa till a new observer is appointed by the Election Commission and takes charge.

    The state of Gujarat which has 182 assembly constituencies will go for polling in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will occur on December 8, which coincides with Himachal Pradesh’s result date.

    Gujarat where the ruling party which has been in power for over 27 years will be seeking its seventh term in office.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been Gujarat’s longest-serving chief minister from 2001 till 2014.

    The state has been a BJP stronghold for a long and the party has set its sights on returning to power with a handsome majority this time as well.

    However, it faces a stiff electoral challenge from the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has named Isudan Gadhvi as its chief ministerial candidate.

    Congress is also hoping to put its best electoral foot forward to unseat the BJP government. 

  • Record cash, liquor seized as Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat go for polls: Election Commission

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday said “record seizures” of cash, liquor and freebies have been made as Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh go for assembly polls.

    While HP goes to poll on Saturday, Gujarat will have voting on December 1 and 5.

    The poll panel said there has been a five-fold increase in seizures in Himachal Pradesh compared to the 2017 assembly elections.

    The Commission said its comprehensive planning led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar ahead of the polls has given “encouraging” results in terms of seizures.

    Gujarat witnessed seizures of Rs 71.88 crore in just few days of announcement of elections, which surpasses even the seizures made in entire duration of enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in 2017 assembly elections, which was Rs 27.21 crore.

    Similarly, the seizures in Himachal Pradesh are also significant, amounting to Rs 50.28 crore as compared to Rs 9.03 crore, marking more than a five-fold increase, it said.

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday said “record seizures” of cash, liquor and freebies have been made as Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh go for assembly polls.

    While HP goes to poll on Saturday, Gujarat will have voting on December 1 and 5.

    The poll panel said there has been a five-fold increase in seizures in Himachal Pradesh compared to the 2017 assembly elections.

    The Commission said its comprehensive planning led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar ahead of the polls has given “encouraging” results in terms of seizures.

    Gujarat witnessed seizures of Rs 71.88 crore in just few days of announcement of elections, which surpasses even the seizures made in entire duration of enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in 2017 assembly elections, which was Rs 27.21 crore.

    Similarly, the seizures in Himachal Pradesh are also significant, amounting to Rs 50.28 crore as compared to Rs 9.03 crore, marking more than a five-fold increase, it said.

  • EC declares 2-phase Gujarat poll dates, counting on December 8

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Gujarat assembly elections will be held in two phases. The polling for 89 seats under the first phase will take place on December 1 and voting for the remaining 93 seats is scheduled on December 5, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday. The counting of votes will be on December 8 along with that of Himachal Pradesh.

    On October 14, the Election Commission (EC) declared the date for elections in Himachal but didn’t announce Gujarat election schedule. Dismissing the criticism for intentionally delaying the poll announcement for Gujarat, allowing the ruling BJP to roll out more welfare schemes before the model code of conduct comes into effect, Kumar stated that the Commission had to take multiple factors into consideration including weather, last date of the term of the assembly and the number of days the model code of conduct should be in force.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been visiting Gujarat to unveil a slew of schemes and lay the foundation for various projects ahead of the polls. The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on February 18, 2023 and the elections have been announced 110 days in advance, Kumar said. 

    “Delay is also because of the recent unfortunate incident (Morbi bridge collapse). There was state mourning in the state till Wednesday and there are also multiple factors,” Kumar added. The notification for the assembly elections will be issued on November 5 and November 10 for the first and the second phases respectively.

    The last date for filing of nominations will be November 14 and November 17 for the first and second phase respectively. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on November 15 and November 18. The last date for withdrawal of nominations for the first phase is November 17 and for the second phase it is November 21. These elections along with a few more in other states in  2023 are being seen as crucial in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    NEW DELHI: The Gujarat assembly elections will be held in two phases. The polling for 89 seats under the first phase will take place on December 1 and voting for the remaining 93 seats is scheduled on December 5, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday. The counting of votes will be on December 8 along with that of Himachal Pradesh.

    On October 14, the Election Commission (EC) declared the date for elections in Himachal but didn’t announce Gujarat election schedule. Dismissing the criticism for intentionally delaying the poll announcement for Gujarat, allowing the ruling BJP to roll out more welfare schemes before the model code of conduct comes into effect, Kumar stated that the Commission had to take multiple factors into consideration including weather, last date of the term of the assembly and the number of days the model code of conduct should be in force.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been visiting Gujarat to unveil a slew of schemes and lay the foundation for various projects ahead of the polls. The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on February 18, 2023 and the elections have been announced 110 days in advance, Kumar said. 

    “Delay is also because of the recent unfortunate incident (Morbi bridge collapse). There was state mourning in the state till Wednesday and there are also multiple factors,” Kumar added. The notification for the assembly elections will be issued on November 5 and November 10 for the first and the second phases respectively.

    The last date for filing of nominations will be November 14 and November 17 for the first and second phase respectively. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on November 15 and November 18. The last date for withdrawal of nominations for the first phase is November 17 and for the second phase it is November 21. These elections along with a few more in other states in  2023 are being seen as crucial in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

  • CPI accuses EC of ‘overstretching’ its constitutional mandate

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The CPI has written to the Election Commission alleging that the poll body has “over-stretched” its constitutional mandate by asking political parties to subscribe to a standardised election proforma while making promises.

    The letter, written by party general secretary D Raja, states that the letter from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on this is an “encroachment” upon the powers of the Parliament and political parties.

    “It is with great concern that our party responds to the letter under reference from ECI. What concerns me is the apparent overstretch of ECI’s mandate by asking political parties to subscribe to a standardised disclosure proforma while making promises,” Raja said.

    He said different political parties go to people seeking votes on different pretext, and that matters of policy and spendings are different as various political outfits have varied priorities.

    “As to the allegations that making promises to people is being fiscally responsible, it must be understood that political parties with different ideologies view fiscal resources very differently,” he said.

    ALSO READ | Big question mark over Election Commission’s fairness in last few years: Prashant Bhushan

    The Left leader added that the EC should not restrict political parties in reaching the voters with the agenda they wish to pursue.

    Following up on poll promises and being critical of the incumbent is the job of opposition parties and it should be best left to them, he argued.

    “Altering its stand from what was submitted to the Supreme Court, the ECI’s letter has reached political parties at a time when there is a debate going on around freebies and the Prime Minister has called them ‘revadis’ and that they are being very dangerous for the country.

    “I would like to believe that the ECI’s timing has nothing to do with the views expressed by the Prime Minister,” Raja stated in the letter.

    NEW DELHI: The CPI has written to the Election Commission alleging that the poll body has “over-stretched” its constitutional mandate by asking political parties to subscribe to a standardised election proforma while making promises.

    The letter, written by party general secretary D Raja, states that the letter from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on this is an “encroachment” upon the powers of the Parliament and political parties.

    “It is with great concern that our party responds to the letter under reference from ECI. What concerns me is the apparent overstretch of ECI’s mandate by asking political parties to subscribe to a standardised disclosure proforma while making promises,” Raja said.

    He said different political parties go to people seeking votes on different pretext, and that matters of policy and spendings are different as various political outfits have varied priorities.

    “As to the allegations that making promises to people is being fiscally responsible, it must be understood that political parties with different ideologies view fiscal resources very differently,” he said.

    ALSO READ | Big question mark over Election Commission’s fairness in last few years: Prashant Bhushan

    The Left leader added that the EC should not restrict political parties in reaching the voters with the agenda they wish to pursue.

    Following up on poll promises and being critical of the incumbent is the job of opposition parties and it should be best left to them, he argued.

    “Altering its stand from what was submitted to the Supreme Court, the ECI’s letter has reached political parties at a time when there is a debate going on around freebies and the Prime Minister has called them ‘revadis’ and that they are being very dangerous for the country.

    “I would like to believe that the ECI’s timing has nothing to do with the views expressed by the Prime Minister,” Raja stated in the letter.

  • Substantiate claims on deletion of voter names: EC to Akhilesh Yadav

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has asked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to substantiate his allegation against the poll authority of mass deletion of voters from Yadav and Muslim communities from the electoral rolls of every assembly seat during the Uttar Pradesh elections this year.

    In a letter to Yadav, the Commission has asked him to submit by November 10 assembly-wise evidence of the wrongful deletions and complaints filed by the Samajwadi Party (SP) with the district and state electoral authorities in this regard.

    Addressing a party meeting last month, Yadav had accused the poll panel of “deleting” the names of Muslim and Yadav votes in every assembly constituency.

    It is learned that the Commission had told Yadav that it had not received any complaint about the deletion of names of 20,000 voters from the electoral rolls of any constituency.

    The Commission also said that its district and state electoral officers had not flagged any such issue of mass deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls in every assembly constituency.

    ALSO READ | 2022 UP polls: Akhilesh threatens stir, says EC deleted details of 16 lakh voters from list 

    The poll authority said one Samajwadi Party candidate had complained about deletion of names of 10,000 voters from the electoral rolls in the Aligang assembly constituency.

    The Commission said on enquiry, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh had found the allegations with regard to the Aligang assembly seat to be “baseless, unsubstantiated and factually incorrect”.

    Given the legal provisions for preparation of electoral roll and safeguards against wrongful deletions, the SOPs laid by the Commission leave no scope for mass deletion of the names of bonafide electors from the electoral roll.

    The Commission said suo-moto deletion of names of voters is “strictly prohibited” during an election year.

    It noted that each and every deletion is made after following due procedure of law by giving ample opportunity to the person concerned.

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has asked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to substantiate his allegation against the poll authority of mass deletion of voters from Yadav and Muslim communities from the electoral rolls of every assembly seat during the Uttar Pradesh elections this year.

    In a letter to Yadav, the Commission has asked him to submit by November 10 assembly-wise evidence of the wrongful deletions and complaints filed by the Samajwadi Party (SP) with the district and state electoral authorities in this regard.

    Addressing a party meeting last month, Yadav had accused the poll panel of “deleting” the names of Muslim and Yadav votes in every assembly constituency.

    It is learned that the Commission had told Yadav that it had not received any complaint about the deletion of names of 20,000 voters from the electoral rolls of any constituency.

    The Commission also said that its district and state electoral officers had not flagged any such issue of mass deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls in every assembly constituency.

    ALSO READ | 2022 UP polls: Akhilesh threatens stir, says EC deleted details of 16 lakh voters from list 

    The poll authority said one Samajwadi Party candidate had complained about deletion of names of 10,000 voters from the electoral rolls in the Aligang assembly constituency.

    The Commission said on enquiry, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh had found the allegations with regard to the Aligang assembly seat to be “baseless, unsubstantiated and factually incorrect”.

    Given the legal provisions for preparation of electoral roll and safeguards against wrongful deletions, the SOPs laid by the Commission leave no scope for mass deletion of the names of bonafide electors from the electoral roll.

    The Commission said suo-moto deletion of names of voters is “strictly prohibited” during an election year.

    It noted that each and every deletion is made after following due procedure of law by giving ample opportunity to the person concerned.

  • Assembly polls: Gujarat transfers over 900 officials after EC rap; 51 yet to be moved out

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Gujarat administration has transferred over 900 officials ahead of assembly polls after being pulled up by the Election Commission, but 51 more, including six senior IPS officers are yet to be moved out, sources said on Wednesday.

    Now, the poll panel has asked the state chief secretary to ensure that the remaining officers report to “respective headquarters” and a compliance report sent by 4.00 PM Thursday, the sources said.

    Of the 51 officers yet to be transferred are six IPS officers — additional commissioners of police Premvir Sinh (crime, Ahmedabad city) and A G Chauhan (traffic, Ahmedabad city), and deputy commissioners of police Harshad Patel (Control Room, Ahmedabad city), Mukesh Patel (Zone-IV, Ahmedabad city), Bhakti Thakar (Traffic, Ahmedabad city), and Rupal Solanki (Crime, Surat city).

    The over 900 officers transferred are of various grades and services, the sources pointed out.

    Taking a stern view of the failure of Gujarat government officials to send a compliance report on transfer and posting of officials ahead of the assembly polls, the EC had last week sought an explanation from the state chief secretary and DGP.

    Citing a letter, the EC shot off to the Gujarat chief secretary last Friday.

    Sources said despite reminders the chief secretary and the director general of police failed to send compliance reports on transfer and posting of certain category of officials.

    They were asked to explain the circumstances as to why the compliance reports were not furnished “so far even after the lapse of stipulated time limit despite issuing of the reminder in the matter”, a source said quoting the letter.

    The letters regarding transfer and posting of officials were sent to Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

    While Himachal Pradesh will go to polls on November 12, dates are yet to be announced for Gujarat election.

    The Commission had directed the two state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

    It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly polls to ensure free and fair elections.

    NEW DELHI: The Gujarat administration has transferred over 900 officials ahead of assembly polls after being pulled up by the Election Commission, but 51 more, including six senior IPS officers are yet to be moved out, sources said on Wednesday.

    Now, the poll panel has asked the state chief secretary to ensure that the remaining officers report to “respective headquarters” and a compliance report sent by 4.00 PM Thursday, the sources said.

    Of the 51 officers yet to be transferred are six IPS officers — additional commissioners of police Premvir Sinh (crime, Ahmedabad city) and A G Chauhan (traffic, Ahmedabad city), and deputy commissioners of police Harshad Patel (Control Room, Ahmedabad city), Mukesh Patel (Zone-IV, Ahmedabad city), Bhakti Thakar (Traffic, Ahmedabad city), and Rupal Solanki (Crime, Surat city).

    The over 900 officers transferred are of various grades and services, the sources pointed out.

    Taking a stern view of the failure of Gujarat government officials to send a compliance report on transfer and posting of officials ahead of the assembly polls, the EC had last week sought an explanation from the state chief secretary and DGP.

    Citing a letter, the EC shot off to the Gujarat chief secretary last Friday.

    Sources said despite reminders the chief secretary and the director general of police failed to send compliance reports on transfer and posting of certain category of officials.

    They were asked to explain the circumstances as to why the compliance reports were not furnished “so far even after the lapse of stipulated time limit despite issuing of the reminder in the matter”, a source said quoting the letter.

    The letters regarding transfer and posting of officials were sent to Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

    While Himachal Pradesh will go to polls on November 12, dates are yet to be announced for Gujarat election.

    The Commission had directed the two state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

    It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly polls to ensure free and fair elections.