The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the deployment of Central Observers for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in Budgam and Nagrota constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to ensure a free and fair electoral process across the country as these elections approach.
This deployment falls under the plenary powers of the Commission as outlined in Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The ECI mandates these observers to oversee and facilitate the seamless conduct of elections in their respective constituencies.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation regarding the schedule for the delayed bye-elections in Jammu and Kashmir’s 90-member Legislative Assembly.
- The Nagrota seat became vacant following the unexpected passing of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024. Speculations suggest that his daughter, Devyani Rana, may be slated as the BJP’s candidate for the seat, although no official confirmation has been provided yet.
- Similarly, the Budgam seat was vacated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 21, 2024. Abdullah, having contested from both Budgam and his stronghold Ganderbal, opted to retain his Ganderbal seat. This change places the National Conference in a potentially strong position for Budgam, though they have yet to announce a candidate.
The ECI deployed a total of 470 officers across Bihar and the eight other states and Union Territories where the bye-elections are scheduled. This includes 320 officers from the IAS, 60 from the IPS, and 90 from IRS/ IRAS/ ICAS services.
The observers’ primary role is to act as the ECI’s eyes and ears on the ground. They are crucial in maintaining the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the electoral process. Their responsibilities will include:
- Monitoring the conduct of polls under the ECI’s supervision.
- Overseeing law and order, campaign conduct, and overall electoral management.
- Tracking election expenditures by candidates to prevent malpractice.
- Promoting voter awareness and participation.
“The observers are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of upholding the impartiality and credibility of elections – the bedrock of democratic polity,” stated the ECI.
The Commission is set to announce the Bihar Assembly election schedule by mid-October. Notably, the ECI has already scheduled October 24, 2025, for the biennial elections to fill four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir.
