Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj met with leaders of political parties to discuss efforts to expand the voter base for youngsters aged 17-18. He also spoke about the status of polling stations and ensuring they have minimum facilities like ramps, water, furniture, lighting, help desks, signage, and toilets. Government officers will provide permanent facilities at all polling stations as per ECI’s directions. Representatives from BJP, TDP, Congress, CPI (M) and MIM attended the meeting.
Vikas Raj spoke about the activities undertaken by election returning officers, such as conducting meetings and displaying forms on notice-boards. He also pointed out that the number of booth-level agents (BLAs) was not enough and requested leaders to increase their number. The CEO instructed EROs on safeguards against deletions and logical errors detected at the data entry level.
The ECI has a special initiative to promote voter participation among transgenders and other marginalised sections like tribals. The CEO appreciated the discussion with parties and expressed hope for continued collaboration to promote free, fair and transparent elections in the country.
Political parties requested more details on ECI’s IT initiatives and requested workshops to make them aware of their role and responsibilities. Deputy CEOs Satya Vani and Hameed also attended the meeting.
