Election Commission's Full Bench Arrives in Guwahati for Assam Poll Review
The full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Guwahati on Monday for a comprehensive three-day review of poll preparedness. This visit sets the stage for the upcoming electoral battle in Assam, with elections to the 126-member assembly anticipated in March-April, as the current term concludes on May 20.
Political Landscape and Electoral Dynamics
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has governed Assam since 2016, aims to consolidate its "double-engine" governance model by securing a third consecutive victory. In contrast, the Congress and various regional parties are striving to regroup amidst evolving political alliances and shifting dynamics. For the ruling party, the focus will be on highlighting development achievements and stability, while the opposition is expected to emphasize issues related to governance, identity, and regional aspirations.
ECI Delegation and Initial Activities
The delegation, which includes Election Commissioners Dr. SS Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, along with senior officials such as Deputy Election Commissioners Manish Garg and Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Principal Secretary Ashish Goel, Advisor NN Butolia, and Director Vidyarani Kanthoujam, was warmly received at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport by State Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel. The Commission announced the arrival on social media platform X, stating, "ECI delegation led by #CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar and ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi arrives in #Guwahati today to review poll preparedness for forthcoming #Assam Assembly Elections."
Schedule of Meetings and Reviews
On Tuesday, the poll panel is scheduled to engage with representatives from national and state-level political parties to gather inputs and address concerns. Additionally, a critical review meeting will be held with the Director General of Police, regional Deputy Inspectors General, district election officers, deputy commissioners, and senior superintendents of police. This session aims to assess security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process.
Final Day Engagements and Press Interaction
The following day, the ECI delegation will convene with the state's chief secretary, the DGP, nodal officers from enforcement agencies, the chief electoral officer, state police nodal officer, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) nodal officer, and senior officials from relevant departments. Later in the day, the team will conduct a press conference to share insights and updates, followed by an interactive session with booth-level officers to reinforce grassroots preparedness and address operational challenges.
