Election Commission Initiates Major Police Overhaul Ahead of Polls
The Election Commission of India on Monday took decisive action by ordering the immediate replacement of five senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in Assam and four superintendents of police (SPs) in Tamil Nadu. This significant reshuffle is part of the commission's comprehensive post-poll announcement strategy aimed at restructuring the police setup to guarantee "free, fair, and peaceful elections".
Key Appointments in Assam and Tamil Nadu
In Assam, the EC implemented crucial SSP-level changes, appointing new officers to key districts. Somalin Shubhdarshini has been named SSP of Majuli, R Sheetal Kumar takes over as SSP of South Salmara, Anchal Chauhan assumes the role of SSP in Sadiya, Sudhakar Singh becomes SSP of Chirang, and Mohan Lal Meena is appointed SSP of Dhemaji.
Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, the commission made changes across four districts. D N Harikiran Prasad has been appointed as SP of Karur, D V Kiran Shruthi takes charge as SP of Erode, Sujith Kumar becomes SP of Nagapattinam, and N Shreenatha is named SP of Virudhunagar.
Strict Compliance and Posting Restrictions
The Election Commission has demanded a compliance report regarding the joining of these newly appointed police officers from the Assam and Tamil Nadu secretaries by 11 PM on Tuesday. In a significant move, the EC has directed that the five SSPs of Assam Police and four SPs of Tamil Nadu who have been transferred out shall not be posted in any election-related positions until the completion of the polls.
Additional Election Preparedness Measures in Assam
In two other poll-related initiatives specific to Assam, the Election Commission appointed retired civil servant Manjeet Singh, a 1988 batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, as a special observer for the state. His responsibilities include periodic visits to Assam to monitor poll preparedness and the conduct of assembly elections, providing valuable inputs to the EC for necessary follow-up actions.
Furthermore, the commission appointed five IAS officers as district election officers (DEOs) in Assam, based on recommendations from the Assam chief secretary. The appointments are as follows:
- P Uday Praveen as DEO of Kokrajhar
- Srishti Singh as DEO of Majuli
- Kimnei Changsan as DEO of Baksa
- Madhusudan Nath as DEO of Chirang
- Jay Vikash as DEO of Udalguri
The EC has mandated that these DEO appointments be implemented immediately, with a compliance report regarding their joining due by 3 PM on Tuesday.
Model Code of Conduct Enforcement
Concurrently, the Election Commission has issued directives for the strict implementation of the model code of conduct in poll-bound states. Ministers have been explicitly instructed not to combine their official duties with electioneering activities. Political parties have been directed to inform police authorities in advance about planned meetings and processions to facilitate proper traffic management and security arrangements.
This comprehensive approach by the Election Commission underscores its commitment to maintaining electoral integrity through administrative overhauls, strategic appointments, and rigorous enforcement of conduct guidelines.
