The Election Commission today made it clear to central and state enforcement agencies that it will have “zero tolerance towards use of money power” in the upcoming elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. SS Sandhu, reviewed poll preparedness in Ranchi and held meetings with political parties, security forces, and other stakeholders.

Speaking to reporters in Ranchi after the meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner said agencies involved in elections have been instructed to ensure inducement-free elections. The EC directed all enforcement agencies to work in a coordinated manner to curb illicit liquor, cash, and drug inflow in the state, besides synchronising and updating their route maps. The CEC cautioned the officials to avoid any undue harassment of the public in the name of checking during the elections. The poll panel also directed the officials to maintain a special focus on Jharkhand borders with West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.