In a recent development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reached out to the Election Commission of India (EC), advocating for comprehensive videography and webcasting coverage at all polling stations. Additionally, the ruling party has emphasized the necessity of establishing polling stations within urban housing societies before the announcement of general elections.
The BJP’s letter to the EC, signed by Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh, and BJP leader Om Pathak, underlines the imperative of enhancing surveillance measures. The party urges for the implementation of 100% coverage of polling stations across all states, replacing the current practice of approximately 50% coverage.
Furthermore, the BJP proposes the adoption of a “two-step identification” process for voters to mitigate the risk of rigging at polling stations. This measure aims to ensure a foolproof record of voter identification, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Addressing the need for polling stations in urban housing societies, the BJP urges the EC to direct chief electoral officers and deputy election officers to convene special meetings with political parties. The objective is to inform residents of high-rise and group housing societies about the establishment of new polling stations, thereby enhancing voter turnout.
The BJP’s communication to the EC also highlights concerns regarding delays in approving political advertisements by media control and monitoring committees (MCMCs). The party asserts that such delays can undermine election campaigns, urging the EC to improve or revise instructions to MCMCs to minimize unwarranted delays.
This move by the BJP comes amidst the EC’s recent decision to cancel a tender for surveillance equipment following concerns raised by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) regarding citizens’ privacy during elections. The BJP’s proposals seek to balance the imperative of ensuring electoral integrity with safeguarding individual privacy rights.
The EC’s response to the BJP’s recommendations remains to be seen, as stakeholders continue to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process.
Sources By Agencies
