The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive action ahead of state polls in five Indian states next month by ordering the transfer of several senior police and administrative officials. This move follows concerns of “unsatisfactory or complacent” performance on their part, as stated by sources familiar with the matter.
The decision was made during a review meeting led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, who had previously issued clear directives to officials to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and devoid of any inducements, including liquor, cash, drugs, and freebies.
Among the officials transferred are nine District Electoral Officers (DEOs) and District Magistrates (DMs), along with 25 Commissioners of Police (CPs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and Additional SPs.
In an intensive review, CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for coordinated actions by enforcement agencies through joint operations, particularly in sensitive routes and zones.
The transfers affect four DEOs/DMs in Telangana, two in Madhya Pradesh, and one in Rajasthan. Additionally, two DEOs/DMs in Chhattisgarh have also been reassigned.
Among the 25 CPs/SPs/Additional SPs transferred, SPs from Telangana and Commissioners of Police from Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Rajasthan have been relocated.
These changes come as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana prepare for assembly elections in November, with results expected to be declared on December 3.
During the review meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of illegal liquor infiltration from Haryana and Punjab into Rajasthan and called for a vigilant stance along international borders.
Kumar stated, “In the last six state assembly elections, we witnessed seizures worth over ₹1,400 crores, marking a remarkable 1000% increase from previous elections in those states,” underscoring the Election Commission of India’s commitment to “inducement-free” elections.
To enhance the efficiency of the election process, the Commission introduced a tech-based platform called the Integrated Election Seizure Management System. This system allows real-time updates on seizures by enforcement agencies, facilitating seamless coordination and intelligence sharing among various agencies, which is critical in monitoring trends and methods related to the illicit trafficking of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies.
The ECI’s efforts aim to ensure that the upcoming state elections are conducted in a transparent and free manner, fostering trust and fairness in the electoral process.
Sources By Agencies
