Work with utmost seriousness and responsibility, election officials and staff; ensure all arrangements at polling stations are airtight.

Jaipur, Oct 27 – State Election Commissioner Shri Rajeshwar Singh said that in the remaining three phases of the Panchayati Raj General Elections 2026, every voter should be able to cast a free and fair vote, and all election officials must work with full seriousness.

The Commissioner instructed in a meeting at the Bikaner District Collector’s office on Tuesday that every directive of the State Election Commission be followed verbatim, that all arrangements at polling stations be airtight, that each centre have adequate security, and that all necessary facilities for voters be ensured. He reviewed the destinations of the polling teams dispatched for the second phase and said all arrangements, including team stoppages, must remain effective.

He said proper lighting must be provided inside and outside polling stations, with generators available, and no construction material near the centres. He inquired about poll‑team training and directed that all personnel be fully briefed on the election process. He reviewed security at polling stations and ordered additional security at sensitive centres.

Shri Rajeshwar Singh urged Area Magistrates and Sector Officers to make regular visits to their areas and give special attention to critical polling stations. He reiterated that nominations and victory processions are completely prohibited and must be strictly enforced. He reviewed EVM security, discussed preparations for counting, and said counting staff should receive necessary training. He also reviewed facilities for differently‑abled voters at polling stations.

The Commissioner said district‑level control rooms must remain alert, and he was briefed on the work of various election sub‑committees. He advised extra vigilance in border areas, with police and administration monitoring every incident. He noted that the commission conducted candidate‑awareness workshops for the first time, providing candidates with all nomination‑related information.

Innovations linked to SWEEP praised—

State Election Commissioner Shri Rajeshwar Singh praised the innovations for voter awareness in Bikaner, including Patta Chaupals in local body elections, Vote Processions in Panchayati Raj elections, voting garba, and vote marathons. He also lauded the appointment of women constables at polling stations and the deployment of scout and guide representatives to assist senior and differently‑abled voters.

Reviewed arrangements in all district divisions—

The Commissioner met Divisional Commissioner Shri Vishram Meena and Police Inspector General Shri Omprakash to discuss election preparations in three other districts of the division. He instructed regular reviews of election processes in those districts besides the divisional headquarters. The Divisional Commissioner said polling will be held in the third and fourth phases in the other three districts, and the IGP briefed on law‑and‑order conditions there.

Present were District Election Officer Shri Nishant Jain, Superintendent of Police Shri Mridul Kachhawa, Election Supervisor Shri Navneet Kumar, Bikaner Development Authority Commissioner Mrs. Snehil Dhaygude Nana, Municipal Commissioner Shri Siddharth Palnichami, District Council CEO Mrs. Shailja Pandey, Additional District Election Officer Shri Umed Singh Ratanu, Additional Collector (City) Mrs. Reena, Sub‑Division Officer Ms. Mahima Kasana, Special Officer Mrs. Swati Sharma of the District Election Office, and IAS trainee Shri Manu Garg.

Santosha Kumawat / Ravindra