Ahead of ECI visit, DGP, CEO discuss poll preparedness
HYDERABAD: A delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by led by senior deputy election commissioner Dharmendra Sharma, will be in Hyderabad from June 22-24 to evaluate and ensure preparedness for Assembly polls, Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said on Wednesday.
Vikas Raj, in this regard, convened a meeting with Director General of Police Anjani Kumar to assess and discuss the state’s poll preparedness. The duo also apprised district collectors and superintendents of police across districts of the same through video conference.
Vikas Raj said that the ECI delegation will first engage in a crucial meeting with the CEO, special police nodal officer and CAPF nodal officer. The discussions will provide an opportunity to exchange insights and strategies regarding election security-related issues, he said.
The ECI delegation will hold extensive consultations with district collectors/SPs and various enforcement agencies, including the Income Tax (CBDT), NCB, excise department, State GST and CGST departments, Enforcement Directorate, State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), DRI, RPF, CISF, and State Commercial Tax department.
This collaborative effort aims to foster coordination at state and district levels to preserve the integrity of the electoral process, the CEO said.
Meanwhile, DGP Anjani Kumar emphasised the crucial role of district police officers in ensuring a smooth and secure election. He highlighted the need for adequate manpower and instructed officers to map border check posts while facilitating cross-functional training with agencies like the Income Tax and GST departments.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including additional DG and special police nodal officer Sanjay Kumar Jain, additional DG Swathi Lakra, IG Shah Nawaz Khan and others.