ECI Steps Up Poll Preparedness, Issues Airtime Vouchers and Tightens Border Vigil for Assembly Elections

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, combining administrative coordination, media access measures and strict enforcement to ensure free and fair polls.

Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on April 9. Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23.

West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The first phase will cover 152 constituencies, while the second phase will cover 142 constituencies.

Counting for all states and the Union Territory will take place on May 4.

Border Vigil, Enforcement Tightened

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, chaired a high-level review meeting with chief secretaries, DGPs and election officials from poll-bound states and 12 neighbouring states.

The Commission directed authorities to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free elections. Special focus was placed on border districts, with instructions to seal sensitive inter-state borders and strengthen coordination.

Multiple central agencies, including those handling taxation, enforcement, narcotics and border security, have been asked to step up surveillance and intelligence sharing.

Authorities have been directed to increase seizures of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics and arms in the run-up to the polls. Strict monitoring will also be carried out at inter-state check posts and expenditure-sensitive constituencies.

Airtime for Political Parties on Doordarshan and AIR

The ECI has also issued digital vouchers to recognised political parties for free broadcast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio.

Each party will receive 45 minutes of base airtime on both platforms. Additional time will be allotted based on past electoral performance.

Broadcast schedules will be decided through a draw of lots in the presence of party representatives and election officials.

Content Rules and Public Debates

Political parties must submit recordings in advance and follow strict content guidelines. Programmes can be produced at approved studios or public broadcaster facilities under Prasar Bharati norms.

Prasar Bharati will also organise up to two panel discussions or debates, with each eligible party allowed to nominate one representative.

Focus on Free and Fair Elections

The Commission said the coordinated approach across states, agencies and media platforms is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for political parties and a secure environment for voters.

With enforcement tightened and systems in place, the ECI is aiming to deliver smooth, transparent and credible elections across all poll-bound regions.