Jharkhand CEO Emphasizes Fair Election Guidelines

Ravikumar addresses illegal money concerns, voting duration claims

Key Points:

• CEO stresses equal opportunity for all assembly election candidates

• Enforcement agencies directed to curb illegal money and materials

• Voting time extended at majority of polling stations compared to past

RANCHI – Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravikumar underscores the importance of adhering to Election Commission guidelines for fair assembly elections.

Ravikumar held a meeting with enforcement agencies in Ranchi to discuss election integrity.

The CEO highlighted the potential risk of voter influence through illegal money movement.

He instructed enforcement agencies to implement a total ban on illegal funds and materials.

The Forest Department was directed to intensify checks at all checkpoints.

Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department was asked to conduct thorough raids on suspected hideouts.

Ravikumar also emphasized the need to crack down on narcotics and their distribution channels.

On social media, the CEO dismissed allegations by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha regarding voting duration.

He clarified that out of 29,562 polling stations, 24,520 are in rural areas.

The majority of polling stations will operate from 7 AM to 5 PM, except for 981 Naxal-affected locations.

Compared to previous elections, voting hours have been extended at most polling stations.

Ravikumar assured that all voters in queue at closing time would be allowed to cast their ballots.