A six-member election commission team, headed by Senior Deputy Election Commissioners Nitesh Vyas and Dharmendra Sharma, on Wednesday reached Ranchi for a two-day tour to Jharkhand to review election preparedness in the state. Jharkhand assembly election is due to be held later this year.
The ECI team later held a meeting with Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer and other election officials. The team also had a discussion with DMs and SPs of different districts of the state
The Election Commission of India (ECI) also reviewed various issues such as progress in preparing the voter list and law and order at a meeting with officers concerned of all 24 districts of the state. The assembly election in Jharkhand is due later this year. The tenure of the 81-member House will expire on January 5, 2025.
Jharkhand CEO K Ravi Kumar said, "The team reviewed several issues including the progress of special summary revision of electoral rolls and general law and order situation during the meeting with district election officers today." The team also took note of the polling booths where voter turnout was comparatively low during the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The EC officials directed the officers to work out a plan to increase the turnout in the upcoming polls, another official said.
K Ravi Kumar, reported ongoing second special summary revisions across the state. He affirmed that a review meeting with all district election officers is scheduled in Patratu on Thursday, underscoring that there are no indications of early polls and reassuring readiness for the upcoming elections.
The second special revision of the electoral roll started in Jharkhand on June 25 and it would come to an end on July 24. The draft voter list will be published on July 25 and voters could submit their claims and objections for improvement by August 9. The voter list will be published on August 20, the official said.
AV Homakar, IG Operations, highlighted the successful conduct of Lok Sabha polls by field officers and emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure peaceful Vidhan Sabha elections. He noted that the Election Commission team’s visit will include a thorough review with deputy commissioners, the chief electoral officer, and other officials. Stressing the importance of the upcoming assembly election, Homakar assured that comprehensive preparations are underway.
Regarding police-related aspects, Homakar mentioned that pertinent points will be communicated to the Election Commission team, detailing state police preparations.