Chennai, Feb 26 (UNI) The Election Commission of India on Thursday held extensive consultations with recognised national and state political parties in Chennai as part of its preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
The meetings were chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu and other senior officials.
Representatives from six recognised national parties attended the meeting: Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and National People’s Party.
Five recognised state parties also participated: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, Naam Tamilar Katchi and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
According to officials, most parties appreciated the Commission for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in the state.
However, concerns were raised regarding the use of money power and distribution of inducements during elections. Several parties urged the Commission to take stringent action to curb such practices. Some suggested increasing the number of flying squads to prevent malpractices during the campaign period.
“Elections are always held as per law — in a free, fair and transparent manner,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar assured the participants. He added that the Commission would “firmly clamp down on all inducement-related activities.”
Most political parties requested that the Assembly elections be conducted in a single phase, citing administrative convenience and security considerations. Some parties also urged the Commission to factor in festival dates while finalising the election schedule to ensure maximum voter participation.
Responding to these concerns, the CEC assured representatives that festival dates and other local considerations would be kept in mind when deciding the poll timeline.
The Commission’s outreach to political stakeholders is part of its broader preparedness exercise for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which are expected to witness a keen contest among major Dravidian parties and national players.
Officials said feedback received during the consultations would be examined carefully as the Commission moves toward finalising logistical arrangements and, eventually, announcing the election schedule.
