In preparation for the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, a team from the Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioners Hirdesh Kumar and Ajay Bhadoo met across state lines on Tuesday. Attendees included senior officials from enforcement agencies such as Income Tax, ED, Customs, and other officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, as well as top bureaucrats, police officers, and nodal officers from various departments.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C provided the details, stating that the ECI team instructed state teams to increase alertness on state borders and that state authorities promised to further tighten interstate coordination for a seamless election process. The team emphasised the importance of keeping an eye on interstate checkpoints between neighbouring states to prevent the cross-border transfer of illegal funds, alcohol, drugs, or freebies.
The CEO went on to say that in order to hold a free and fair election in the state, state officials have been urged to increase seizures with assistance from neighbouring border states and inspire fear of administration among violators. This information has been relayed to the ECI team. The group particularly encouraged CRPF and Police units to maintain tight watch and assist in containing the drug problem. “We have enhanced vigil across the state to conduct a free and fair elections,” Punjab CEO Sibin C assures ECI team.
