- ECI holds inter-state meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to review the preparation of Lok Sabha elections

Chandigarh, April 2: A team of Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioners Hirdesh Kumar and Ajay Bhadoo held an inter-state meeting on Tuesday with top bureaucrats, police officers, nodal officers from different departments and senior officials from enforcement agencies including Income Tax, ED, Customs and other officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to review election arrangements and law and order coordination in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Giving the information, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said that during the meeting, the ECI team directed state teams to enhance vigilance on the state borders and state authorities assured to further strengthen interstate coordination for conducting smooth electoral process. The team specifically stressed the need for vigilance over the interstate check posts across neighboring states to ensure no cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs or freebies takes place.

The CEO further said the ECI team has been informed that state officials have been asked to step up seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration among violators to conduct a free and fair election in the state. The team specifically urged Police and CRPF teams to keep strict vigilance and help curtail the drug menace. "We have enhanced vigil across the state to conduct a free and fair elections, Punjab CEO Sibin C assures ECI team."