Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Saturday has directed a crackdown on fake news disseminated via social media in Maharashtra, where assembly elections are anticipated later this year.
This directive was issued during a review of electoral preparedness conducted on alongside fellow Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and S.S. Sandhu.
During the meeting, which included district electoral officers (DEOs), superintendents of police, municipal commissioners, and divisional commissioners, CEC Kumar emphasized the need for swift action against electoral offences that arose during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.
Furthermore, he urged state police officials to expedite investigations into these offences.
Kumar took a firm stance against the spread of fake news, instructing officials to implement measures ensuring a prompt response to such misinformation. He reviewed the Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations and directed DEOs to manage voter queues effectively on polling days.
DEOs were instructed to conduct personal visits to polling stations to assess arrangements and ensure that amenities such as benches, drinking water, and vehicle parking are provided, particularly in congested areas.
Additionally, the CEC called for proper signage and directions to guide voters at locations with multiple polling stations. He requested updates on the status of electoral offences related to FIRs from superintendents of police and directed a review of cases involving personnel, electronic voting machines (EVMs), and social media issues.
CEC Rajiv Kumar and his fellow Election Commissioners are currently on a two-day visit to Maharashtra. With the Maharashtra assembly term ending on November 26, elections are expected to be announced next month.
