Chief Electoral Officer Reviews Anta Assembly By-Election Preparations — Directs Officials to Work with Sensitivity and Vigilance; Webcasting at All Polling Stations

Jaipur, Oct 2025 — To conduct the Anta Assembly By-Election 2025 in a free, fair, transparent, and fear-free environment, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shri Naveen Mahajan reviewed the preparations through video conferencing on Thursday. He instructed that personnel associated with the election process should work with greater sensitivity and vigilance. He also directed that awareness activities be increased to encourage maximum voter participation.

Chief Electoral Officer Shri Mahajan, during a video conference meeting with the District Election Officer, District Superintendent of Police, Returning Officer (RO), and other officials regarding the Anta By-Election 2025, issued necessary directions. While reviewing preparations, he said that the Returning Officer should thoroughly study the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and accordingly provide proper training to team members to ensure the election process is fair and inclusive.

100 Percent Webcasting —
Shri Mahajan instructed the District Election Officer to identify sensitive polling stations in the Anta Assembly Constituency and deploy additional micro-observers or sector officers there. All such officers should be fully aware of their responsibilities and powers. As per the Commission’s directions, 100 percent webcasting should be ensured, and at locations having three or more polling stations, an additional external camera should also be installed. He also directed that regular meetings be held with representatives of political parties and media to share updates.

Fear-Free and Peaceful Elections Are Top Priority —
State Police Nodal Officer Shri Anil Kumar Tank (Inspector General, Law & Order) instructed District Superintendents of Police and other officers to maintain close monitoring of law and order in the Anta constituency. State Police Expenditure Monitoring Nodal Officer Dr. Ravi (Inspector General, Planning, Modernization & Welfare) stated that since Baran district shares borders with neighboring states, special vigilance is required. The District Superintendent of Police, Baran, informed that sensitive areas in the constituency have been identified and security arrangements are being managed, with deployment of central forces if necessary. CEO Mahajan reiterated that ensuring a safe, fear-free, and peaceful election is the topmost priority, and no negligence at any level will be tolerated.

Promotion of Home Voting Option —
The CEO emphasized spreading awareness at the grassroots level about the home voting option for voters above 85 years of age and those with over 40% disability, to enable them to exercise their voting rights conveniently. As of October 1, 2025, there are 2,27,563 registered voters in the Anta constituency, including 1,013 aged above 85 years, 1,170 voters with benchmark disabilities, and 39 service voters eligible to vote through postal ballots.
He said that eligible voters may submit Form 12D (option form) to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) by October 18. This will make the election process more inclusive and enhance participation in democracy.

Shri Mahajan instructed surprise inspections of the control rooms established at the district level, where complaints can be registered and resolved by dialing 1950. He also called for greater publicity of the cVIGIL App, Know Your Candidate App, and Book a Call with BLO facility to promote transparent and aware voting.

Special Plan to Increase Voter Turnout —
The CEO directed officials to prepare a special action plan to increase voter turnout during the by-election. He advised identifying specific reasons behind low turnout at certain polling stations and addressing them to motivate voters. To achieve better participation, officers must engage directly with communities. He also stressed the need to inform voters that, in the absence of a voter ID card, 12 alternative identity documents can be used to vote.

Out of the total 268 polling stations in the Anta constituency, 8 will be operated by women, 8 by youth, and 1 by persons with disabilities. He also instructed the establishment of as many green booths as possible—where no single-use plastic is used, and eco-friendly materials like earthen cups are promoted—to encourage voters to participate.

In the video conference, District Election Officer Shri Rohitash Singh Tomar presented a detailed report on preparations, availability of physical and human resources, and training of staff. District Superintendent of Police Shri Abhishek Andasu presented the law and order situation. Returning Officer Shri Hawai Singh informed that arrangements for the nomination process are being ensured, and directions for removing campaign materials from public and private properties within 24, 48, and 72 hours are being implemented as per the Model Code of Conduct. Inspection and first randomization of EVM and VVPAT machines were completed on Thursday.

Special Officer Shri Suresh Chandra of the Election Department gave a presentation on key focus areas, including previous seizures during Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Baran and Anta, 100% distribution of voter information slips, and updated instructions regarding the 100-meter periphery around booths. Senior officials from the Election Department were also present in the meeting.