Mail News Service
Ranchi, Sep 23: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has arrived in Jharkhand to assess the state’s readiness for the upcoming assembly elections. The team held a meeting at Hotel Radisson Blu, where they engaged with representatives from various political parties and enforcement agencies to discuss key issues and demands.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar led the meeting, listening attentively as party representatives voiced their concerns. Among them, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) urged the commission to schedule the elections after November 15. JMM General Secretary and Chief Spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated, “The term of the Jharkhand government lasts until January 5, 2025. There is no urgency for elections right now, especially with numerous festivals occurring in October and November.”
Bhattacharya highlighted the significance of the upcoming festivals, including Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Mahaparva. “After these festivities, November 15 is also the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda and marks Jharkhand Foundation Day. It is crucial to consider these events, as many people leave the state during this period,” he explained.
In addition to timing, Bhattacharya raised concerns about security. He suggested that central forces be deployed minimally in Jharkhand’s unique geographical landscape, which includes mountainous and forested areas. “Local police should accompany central forces to ensure community safety without overwhelming the local populace,” he noted.
The JMM also emphasized the need to prevent hate speech during the electoral process. Bhattacharya remarked, “Efforts are being made to politicize religion and caste in Jharkhand. Hate speech must be banned to maintain peace and unity.” The Chief Election Commissioner acknowledged these points, assuring that the commission would carefully consider the JMM’s recommendations.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Congress party representative also called for the elections to be held post-November 15 and demanded a ban on hate speech. They expressed concern over “fanatical speeches from BJP leaders,” urging the commission to restrict such individuals from entering Jharkhand during the election period.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the primary opposition party, raised alarms about alleged Bangladeshi infiltration. BJP spokesperson Ramesh Prasad claimed that many intruders had acquired voter ID cards through fake Aadhaar documents. “It is vital to check these Aadhaar cards and implement a system to identify fakes,” he asserted.
The BJP also requested that elections be conducted in fewer phases, citing significant discrepancies in voter registration in certain constituencies. Prasad noted, “While we typically see a 3-3.25% increase in voters each year, some polling stations have seen unexpected rises of up to 123%. This raises serious concerns.”
