The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun reviewing the preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand, which are expected to take place later this year. A delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar met with senior police officials in the state to assess the current situation.
Accompanying him were Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. SS Sandhu. The discussions focused on ensuring a smooth and secure election process in the state.
During the visit, the ECI team held meetings with various officials, including IGs, DIGs, District Election Officers (DEOs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs). The objective of the meetings was to evaluate the necessary arrangements for the elections.
The review also extended to discussions with the state's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Principal Secretaries. These high-level discussions were aimed at identifying any challenges that may arise during the election process and addressing them in advance.
The ECI also plans to meet with political parties, government officials, and enforcement agencies during their visit. These discussions are critical in ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to preparing for the elections.
Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are likely to play a key role in maintaining security during the election period. The presence of CAPF nodal officers at the meetings underscored the importance of coordination between local police and central forces in maintaining law and order.
The current Jharkhand Legislative Assembly has 81 seats, and the term of the present government will end in January 2025. Therefore, elections are expected to be held before the end of this year, although the ECI has not yet announced the official schedule. The political environment in Jharkhand is already heating up, with various parties preparing for the upcoming contest.
In the political sphere, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda recently addressed the 'Parivartan Sabha' in Khunti, highlighting his party’s focus on protecting tribal rights and women's safety.
The BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' has gained momentum as a key campaign strategy in Jharkhand, with promises to tackle issues such as land grabbing and fraud. Nadda emphasised that his party aims to safeguard the interests of tribal communities, many of whom play a crucial role in the state’s electorate.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also took the opportunity to criticise Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Yadav pointed out the controversy surrounding Soren’s time in jail, accusing him of dishonesty in politics.
He questioned Soren’s integrity, claiming that it was a matter of great misfortune for the state that a sitting Chief Minister ended up behind bars due to alleged wrongdoing. Yadav also accused Soren of misleading the public by having his wife contest elections to secure political influence.
The political battle in Jharkhand remains intense, with the opposition party, BJP, targeting the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on various fronts. In the 2020 elections, JMM secured 30 seats, forming a coalition government with Congress, which won 16 seats. The BJP, which bagged 25 seats, is working hard to regain its position in the state, focusing on issues related to governance and corruption.
As the elections approach, political rallies, sabhas, and public speeches are expected to become more frequent, with key figures from both national and regional parties making their cases to the people of Jharkhand. The ECI's efforts to ensure a transparent and fair election process will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes political battle.
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