Ghatshila Assembly seat by-election: Meeting with political party representatives on rationalization of polling stations

Jamshedpur: A meeting with representatives of political parties was held in the auditorium of the Sub-Divisional Office, Ghatshila, under the chairmanship of District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi. The main agenda of the meeting was rationalization of polling stations in proportion to voters, preparation of an error-free electoral roll, and other related matters.

The District Election Officer said that ensuring transparency and impartiality in the electoral process is the top priority of the district administration, and for this, the active participation and cooperation of political parties is extremely important.

He informed that as per the guidelines of the Election Commission, rationalization of polling stations is done keeping in mind factors like distance, geographical location, accessibility, convenience of voters, condition of polling buildings, and arrangements suitable for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The objective is to ensure that no voter is deprived of the right to vote and that they can reach the polling station with minimum difficulty. All AEROs were instructed to audit the basic facilities at polling stations in view of the upcoming Assembly elections and to make necessary arrangements for accommodation of polling personnel and paramilitary forces.

Special emphasis was also laid on preparing an error-free voter list. The DEO directed EROs and AEROs to exercise utmost caution in the preparation of electoral rolls. He said that the voter list is the backbone of democracy and must be free of errors. He appealed to all political parties to actively cooperate during the special summary revision campaign by helping to add names of eligible new voters and provide information for deletion of names of deceased or migrated persons.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the geo-fencing work being carried out by BLOs at the Sub-Divisional Office premises and issued necessary instructions. Later, he held another meeting with representatives of recognized national and state political parties at the Collectorate on the same agenda, seeking their cooperation in rationalization of polling stations and preparation of an accurate voter list.

Representatives of political parties shared their suggestions and assured full cooperation with the administration. EROs, AEROs, and officials of the Election Branch were also present in the meeting.