Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reviewed the preparedness for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in Chennai on Thursday (February 26, 2026). | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on Thursday (February 26, 2026) took a detailed and comprehensive review of the preparedness for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections in Chennai.
Representatives of recognized national and state political parties were held and their suggestions were sought, an official release said. Among the parties that attended the meeting were DMK, AIADMK, Congress, BJP, CPI(M), VCK, DMDK, NTK, BSP, AAP and NPP.
Majority of the parties appreciated the Election Commission for the peaceful and smooth conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, the report said. “Political parties have urged the Commission to take strict measures to curb the use of money and distribution of free allowances during elections. Some political parties have asked to increase the number of flying squads to curb malpractices during elections.” Some parties urged the Commission to keep the upcoming festivals in mind while finalizing the election schedule.
DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi and legal wing secretary NR Elango said in a statement that the age cohort details in the final electoral rolls were not fully disclosed and many district election officials were reluctant to share them. They added that names and other details were not properly recorded and old voter cards continued to be referred to. In a separate representation, CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam demanded that the Assembly elections be held in a single phase. The CPI(M) also demanded reordering of machine deployment in the order of voting unit, followed by control unit and VVPAT. The party urged the Commission to provide new EPIC cards with revised parts and serial numbers to all voters and provide drinking water and other facilities at the polling stations on the election day.
Mr. Gyanesh Kumar assured the parties that their suggestions would be considered, the report said.
The Commission also held a detailed discussion with Heads/Nodal Officers of Enforcement Agencies, IGs, DIGs, DEOs and SPs on election planning, EVM management, logistics, election staff training, seizure, law and order, voter awareness and awareness activities.
The Commission directed the Heads/Nodal Officers of the law enforcement agencies to act impartially and suppress all incentives. He also directed DEOs and SPs to prioritize the convenience and accessibility of voters at polling stations, provide thorough training to officials and ensure widespread awareness of election processes. The commission also directed officials to act without fear or favour, stressing that there will be zero tolerance for any deviation from rules and laws.
RS survey alert
The Commission has issued notifications for the biennial elections from Tamil Nadu to six seats in the Rajya Sabha. The tenure of the six members present will expire on April 2. According to the notification, R. Santhi, Additional Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat, would be the Returning Officer and P. Thenmozhi, Joint Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat, would be the Assistant Returning Officer. Nominations should be delivered by the candidate or any of his proposers to any of them at the office of the Returning Officer/Additional Secretary, Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Chennai-600009 between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on any day (except February 28 and March 1 declared public holidays) and not later than March 5.
The nominations would be scrutinized in the office of the Returning Officer/Additional Secretary, Legislative Assembly Secretariat, on March 6 at 11 am. Notice of withdrawal of candidature may be delivered either by the candidate, any of his proposers, or his authorized representative to any of the officers by 3 p.m. on March 9.
“In case of contested election, polling will be held between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on March 16 at the Legislative Committee Room, Ground Floor, Chief Secretariat Building, Secretariat, Chennai-600009,” the notification said.
Published – 26 Feb 2026 23:39 IST
