ECI Team To Begin 3-Day Odisha Visit Today To Review Poll Preparedness

Bhubaneswar: A team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to embark upon a three-day visit to Odisha on Thursday as part of the exercise to assess and review the state’s preparedness for the upcoming general election in 2024.

Led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the team includes Deputy Commissioner Arun Goel, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Dharmender Sharma, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas, and eight others, sources said.

The team will hold discussions with various stakeholders to ensure smooth election in the state for the Lok Sabha as well as Assembly polls.

During the visit, the ECI team will hold discussion with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, district collectors, superintendents of police, senior state government officers, and other key players, apart from Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

This effort aims to address any challenges and enhance coordination among different authorities involved in the electoral process.

After arriving in the state on Thursday, the team members are slated to meet with political parties, District Electoral Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and other senior officials on Friday. This session will provide an opportunity for open dialogue and exchange of ideas to ensure a fair and transparent election process.

Likewise, on February 17, the Election Commission team will hold meetings with the state CEO, nodal officers of central forces, Chief Secretary, and the DGP.

The whole exercise by the ECI is aimed at ensuring smooth, free and fair elections.