Hoshiarpur: The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer held a meeting today with representatives of various recognized political parties in the district to brief them on the schedule for the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 and to appeal for their full cooperation in the electoral process.
During the meeting, the District Election Officer informed that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would conduct a door-to-door drive from June 25 to July 24, 2026, to have voters fill out enumeration forms. She urged the Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties to extend their full cooperation to the BLOs.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the rationalization of polling stations would also be completed by July 24. In accordance with the Election Commission of India's guidelines, proposals for establishing new polling stations would be prepared and submitted to the Commission for locations where the number of voters exceeds 1,200.
She urged political parties to promptly ensure the appointment of BLA-1s at the assembly constituency level and BLA-2s at the booth level, and to provide these details to the concerned Electoral Registration Officers and the District Election Office. She further emphasized that the appointed BLA-1s and BLA-2s must participate in meetings convened by the concerned election officials. She noted that the cooperation of all political parties is crucial for the successful conduct of the Special Intensive Revision-2026.
Following the meeting, and in compliance with the Election Commission of India's directives, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain conducted the quarterly inspection (opening the facility to check internal conditions) of the district-level voting machine warehouse in the presence of political party representatives. As part of the inspection process, all relevant records, logbooks, and entry registers were examined to ensure transparency.
The District Election Officer stated that the quarterly inspection of the EVM warehouse is a routine and essential procedure aimed at upholding the fairness, security, and transparency of the electoral process. He expressed satisfaction that the warehouse arrangements in the district met the highest standards.
Representatives of political parties remarked that this initiative by the Election Commission strengthens public trust in the democratic process and helps dispel misconceptions regarding the impartiality of the machines.
Also present on the occasion were Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Nidhi Kumud Bambah, Assistant Commissioner (Under Training) Gurkanwal Singh, and representatives from various political parties—Jai Ram (Aam Aadmi Party), Rajnish Tandon (Indian National Congress), Bhushan Kumar Sharma (BJP), Madan Singh Bains (BSP), Gurmesh Singh (CPI-M), and Jagtar Singh (Shiromani Akali Dal)—along with EVM Nodal Officer Balwinder Singh, Tehsildar (Elections) Ramandeep Kaur, and Election Kanungo Lakhvir Singh.