Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described booth level officers (BLOs) in Budgam as ‘pillars of democracy’. He said that India’s electoral process is the most transparent in the world and it is scrutinized at every level. Kumar is on a three-day visit to J&K.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday interacted with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Budgam and described them as “pillars of our democracy”, while highlighting their role in strengthening India’s electoral process. During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the CEC praised the Indian electoral system, saying it is one of the most transparent systems in the world and involves constant scrutiny at every level by stakeholders, including political parties and candidates.
Speaking to reporters, Gyanesh Kumar said, “Today, we had a dialogue with the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of Budgam – the pillars of our democracy. We discussed the fact that our electoral process is the most transparent in the world; every stage, from the preparation of electoral lists to the actual polling and counting of votes, is subject to concurrent audit by political parties and candidates.”
India’s role on the global stage
The CEC further highlighted India’s global standing in democratic governance, and noted the country’s leadership role on the international stage. He said, “Given this strong Indian electoral process, it is noteworthy that India currently leads the major democracies of the world and is chairing the ‘International IDEA’. Once again, through you, I extend my best wishes to all the voters of Jammu and Kashmir as well as all the BLOs, BLO Observers, AROs, EROs and DEOs.”
Three day J&K tour and events
Later in the day, the CEC also visited Mata Kheer Bhavani temple in Ganderbal district and offered prayers. Kumar arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, part of the Election Commission of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with voters and election stakeholders, enhance grassroots preparedness and promote democratic participation and awareness.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Srinagar airport, Kumar said, “We will interact with voters in the beautiful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, and especially meet booth level officials in Budgam, which serves as the cornerstone of the Election Commission. After these interactions, we will also enjoy the spectacular views of Kashmir.”
During the visit, the CEC will participate in various programs across the valley, aimed at connecting with voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Budgam district, meeting other election stakeholders and reviewing the ground level election machinery.
On arrival at the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, the CEC was warmly welcomed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma, the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, and other senior officials of the administration and election department.
Gyanesh Kumar assumed charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on February 19, 2025. (ANI)
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