Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: ECI Reviews Poll Readiness and Vows Fair Elections

New Delhi Feb 26 :- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially kicked off its high-level review of poll preparedness for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, arrived in Chennai to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state’s readiness. During the visit, the Commission engaged in a series of crucial dialogues with representatives from major national and state political parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, BJP, Congress, and AAP, to gather feedback and ensure a level playing field for the upcoming democratic exercise.

Political Parties Demand Crackdown on Freebies

While most political parties expressed satisfaction with the recent peaceful revision of electoral rolls, they raised significant concerns regarding the influence of money power. Representatives urged the ECI to implement stringent measures to curb the distribution of freebies and cash-for-votes. Specifically, parties called for an increase in flying squads to monitor ground activities and prevent electoral malpractices. Additionally, the Commission was requested to consider local festivals when finalizing the official polling dates to ensure maximum voter turnout.

Zero Tolerance for Impartiality and Inducements

Responding to these concerns, Gyanesh Kumar assured stakeholders that the elections would be conducted with absolute transparency and strictly according to the law. Following the party meetings, the ECI held a rigorous strategy session with District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and heads of enforcement agencies. The Commission issued a stern directive for all officials to act with complete impartiality, warning of zero tolerance for any deviation from electoral rules.

Focus on Voter Comfort and Security

The ECI’s roadmap for Tamil Nadu emphasizes both security and accessibility. Enforcement agencies have been ordered to firmly clamp down on all inducement-related activities, while local administrators are tasked with prioritizing voter comfort at polling stations. The Commission underscored the importance of robust training for election staff and widespread awareness campaigns to ensure a seamless and inclusive voting experience for the citizens of Tamil Nadu.