Gyanesh Kumar: ‘Will ensure elections free from fear, violence and intimidation’: CEC Gyanesh Kumar ahead of Bengal elections | india news
New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar asserted that the Election Commission will “leave no stone unturned” to ensure free and fair elections in West Bengal, and outline a framework aimed at preventing malpractices and enhancing voter confidence.In a message to officials monitoring the elections on Monday, Kumar said the Election Commission of India is committed to conducting elections “free of fear, violence, intimidation and inducement”, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach towards any electoral malpractice.
He also stressed that no government official should influence the electoral process. “No employee of the state government, local bodies or autonomous bodies will be allowed to influence the electoral process in any way,” Kumar said.He called upon the voters to participate actively and urged the citizens to cast their vote without any fear. He said, “Every voter of West Bengal should exercise his vote fearlessly.”Invoking widespread democratic sentiment, Kumar described the elections as a celebration of democracy and said, “The festival of elections, the pride of West Bengal.”Elections for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting taking place on May 4.