CEC Gyanesh Kumar Defends Assam Electoral Roll Revision as Legal Process
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized on Wednesday that the special revision of Assam's electoral roll constitutes a lawful procedure designed to eliminate ineligible voters from the system. This clarification came during a significant three-day visit by the Election Commission's full bench to the northeastern state.
Statutory Process Amid Political Criticism
Kumar firmly dismissed mounting criticism surrounding the electoral roll revision, characterizing such objections as mere political noise that cannot disrupt a statutory process mandated by law. The special revision was conducted with the explicit purpose of including all eligible electors while systematically excluding all ineligible individuals, Kumar explained during his address in Guwahati.
The CEC specifically praised the performance of election officers involved in the revision process, noting they executed their duties effectively in managing both additions and deletions to the voter lists. This comprehensive exercise forms part of the Election Commission's standard preparations ahead of any electoral event.
Rongali Bihu Considerations in Poll Scheduling
In a notable development, Kumar signaled that Assam's election schedule would likely be framed around the timing of Rongali Bihu, the state's most significant cultural festival occurring in mid-April. This consideration follows explicit requests from multiple political parties seeking to conduct elections before the festival period.
The Election Commission's full bench, comprising CEC Gyanesh Kumar alongside election commissioners SS Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, conducted extensive consultations with various political stakeholders during their Assam visit. These meetings focused on reviewing electoral preparedness and addressing concerns related to the upcoming electoral process.
Comprehensive Review and Future Planning
The three-day visit encompassed thorough assessments of administrative arrangements, security preparations, and logistical requirements for conducting free and fair elections in Assam. The commission examined multiple aspects of election management, from polling station arrangements to voter awareness initiatives.
This electoral roll revision represents a critical component of the Election Commission's mandate to maintain accurate and updated voter databases. By ensuring only eligible citizens participate in the democratic process, the commission aims to uphold the integrity of elections while facilitating maximum participation from qualified voters.
The timing considerations around Rongali Bihu demonstrate the commission's responsiveness to cultural sensitivities while maintaining its constitutional responsibilities. As preparations advance, the Election Commission continues to balance statutory requirements with practical considerations affecting voter participation and electoral administration.
