Concerns Raised Over Election Commission's Timing of Poll Announcements
RJD MP Questions Election Commission's Integrity
On Monday, Manoj Kumar Jha, a Member of Parliament from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), expressed doubts regarding the impartiality of the Election Commission following the announcement of election dates for five states and union territories. Speaking to a news outlet, Jha stated that he was neither surprised nor upset by the timing but believed the Commission could have delayed the announcement a bit longer. His comments came in light of a recent significant reshuffle of governors and lieutenant governors by the President's office.
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Jha emphasized that the announcement of election dates is not the core issue; rather, it raises questions about the perceived fairness of the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. He noted that while the dates for the elections in five states have been set, the crucial matter is when the Election Commission will restore its credibility.
Recently, the Election Commission unveiled the schedule for upcoming assembly elections in five states and union territories. The Commission announced that elections in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal will commence on April 9. Voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will occur in a single phase on that date, while West Bengal will have its first phase of voting on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. Tamil Nadu will also conduct its elections in one phase on April 23. The counting of votes for all five states and union territories is scheduled for May 4.
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During a press conference in the national capital, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar referred to the assembly elections as a "festival of pride" and encouraged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically.