ECI Deploys Top Observers To Gujarat, Kerala, Bengal & Punjab Ahead Of Key Assembly Bypolls

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed senior officials as General and Police Observers for upcoming Assembly bypolls across five constituencies in four states, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring transparent and credible elections.

The bypolls are scheduled for June 19 in Kadi and Visavadar (Gujarat), Nilambur (Kerala), Kaliganj (West Bengal), and Ludhiana West (Punjab), following vacancies caused by resignations and deaths of sitting legislators.

The observers, appointed under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, are tasked with maintaining the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process. “They are a vital part of the Commission’s efforts to guarantee free, fair and inclusive elections,” an ECI official said, as quoted by PTI.

Among the appointed officials, IAS officers Heera Lal and Awanish Kumar Sharan will serve as General Observers for Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat. IPS officers Dinesh Kumar Gupta and Anil Kumar will oversee law and order as Police Observers in these constituencies.

In Kerala’s Nilambur, KV Muralidharan has been assigned as General Observer, with Arunangshu Giri as Police Observer. Ludhiana West in Punjab will see Rajeev Kumar and Surender Pal assume those roles respectively, while in West Bengal’s Kaliganj seat, Shesh Mani Pandey and Bhupendra Sahu will handle the responsibilities.

Postal Voting Option for Covid-Affected Voters

Acknowledging the ongoing health concerns, the ECI has also permitted postal ballot options for voters affected by or suspected of having COVID-19. This is part of its broader strategy to ensure no eligible voter is left out of the democratic process.

Counting of votes for all five seats will take place on June 23.

Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025, 03:41 PM IST