DGP calls for peaceful, transparent, impartial conduct of local body polls

The Delhi Police have issued a statement urging all stakeholders to conduct the upcoming municipal elections with calm, transparency and impartiality, a senior officer said on Tuesday. Chief Commissioner Harish Kumar Gupta called for a “peaceful and orderly” process, stressing the importance of preparation and clear guidelines to ensure the polls run smoothly. The call comes amid rising concerns about electoral malpractices and the logistical challenges that the city’s municipal elections often face.In a briefing to the press, Gupta reviewed the recent preparedness meeting held by the police’s electoral division..

He outlined the steps that the department has taken to secure polling stations, vet election workers, and protect voters from intimidation. “We have already drafted comprehensive security protocols for each polling station and identified potential hotspots,” Gupta said. “Our aim is to pre‑empt any disturbances and provide a secure environment for voters and staff alike.”The police’s preparations, according to Gupta, involve a multi‑layered approach..

First, a thorough audit of all polling locations will be carried out to assess infrastructure, accessibility, and security needs. Second, a dedicated team will monitor the distribution of ballot boxes and electronic voting machines, ensuring that each device is accounted for and tamper‑resistant. Third, a real‑time monitoring system will track the flow of voters and flag any anomalies..

“We want to guarantee that the entire process is traceable and auditable from start to finish,” the chief commissioner added.Gupta also emphasized the need for “complete transparency” in the handling of campaign funds and campaign materials. Police officers will collaborate with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to verify that all parties comply with the spending limits and that campaign posters and flyers are displayed within the prescribed areas. “Any deviation from the rules will be reported immediately and addressed in accordance with the law,” Gupta stated..

He added that the police would take a neutral stance, neither endorsing nor opposing any political group, and would strictly enforce the rules set by the ECI.The statement came as the ECI is finalising its notification of the municipal election schedule. The polls are expected to be held in late September, with the voting period to last for a full week. The Delhi Municipal Corporation will elect members for 70 wards, and the results will determine the political balance in the city’s local governance..

In previous elections, the process has sometimes been marred by allegations of voter intimidation and irregularities. The police’s pledge to act “without bias” aims to reassure the public that the elections will be conducted fairly.In addition to security measures, Gupta outlined a voter education programme that the police will support. The programme, scheduled to run in the weeks leading up to the election, will focus on the importance of casting a vote, understanding ballot papers, and the role of election observers..

“We will deploy volunteers and public service announcements in multiple languages to reach diverse communities across the city,” Gupta said. “The goal is to foster an informed electorate and discourage any form of coercion.”The statement also addressed the role of technology in modernising the election process. The police will work with the ECI to implement a digital tracking system that logs the movement of ballot boxes from storage to the polling stations, and from the stations to the counting centres..

This system, which uses RFID tags and GPS data, will help prevent tampering and provide real‑time evidence of the chain of custody. “The use of technology is not a replacement for human vigilance, but it strengthens the integrity of the process,” Gupta added.Harish Kumar Gupta’s remarks were well received by civil society groups, who have long demanded stronger safeguards against electoral fraud. “The police’s commitment to impartiality is encouraging,” said Ramesh Gupta, director of the Delhi Citizens’ Assembly..

“If the police are proactive and transparent, it will help reduce the likelihood of disputes and post‑poll litigation.” He also urged that the police keep an open line of communication with local leaders and community organisations to address any concerns that may arise before or during the polls.Despite the optimism, some analysts warn that the success of the police’s measures will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved. “The electoral process is a collective effort,” said Dr. Meera Shah, a professor of political science at the University of Delhi..

“Even the most rigorous security protocols cannot fully compensate for political actors who may try to subvert the system. Continuous monitoring, accountability, and a clear legal framework remain essential.”The police have also prepared a contingency plan for potential disruptions. Should there be any incidents of violence or electoral malpractice, the police will act swiftly to restore order and conduct investigations..

The statement emphasised that any allegations of misconduct would be treated as a criminal offence and subject to prosecution under the relevant laws. “We are not just safeguarding the day of the polls; we are safeguarding democracy itself,” Gupta concluded.As the city moves toward the election date, the Delhi Police’s proactive stance highlights the growing recognition that electoral integrity depends on robust preparation, transparency, and community engagement. By committing to a peaceful, impartial, and secure process, the police aim to ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or doubt, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of the municipal government that will be elected..