Budgam (J&K), June 29: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday interacted with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Budgam and described them as the "pillars of our democracy," highlighting their role in strengthening India's electoral process.

 

 

 

During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the CEC praised the Indian electoral system, stating that it is among the most transparent in the world and involves continuous scrutiny at every stage by stakeholders, including political parties and candidates.

 

 

 

Speaking to reporters, Gyanesh Kumar said, " Today, we engaged in a dialogue with the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of Budgam--the pillars of our democracy. We discussed the fact that our electoral process is among the most transparent in the world; every stage, from the preparation of electoral rolls to the actual voting and the counting of votes, is subject to concurrent auditing by political parties and candidates."

 

 

 

The CEC further highlighted India's global standing in democratic governance, noting the country's leadership role on the international stage.

 

 

 

"Observing this robust Indian electoral process, it is noteworthy that India currently leads the major democratic nations of the world and holds the chairmanship of 'International IDEA'. Once again, through you, I extend my greetings to all the voters of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as to all the BLOs, BLO Supervisors, AROs, EROs, and DEOs," he added.

 

 

 

Later in the day, the CEC also visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district and offered prayers.

 

 

 

Kumar arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Election Commission of India's ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with voters and electoral stakeholders, enhance field-level preparedness and promote democratic participation and awareness.

 

 

 

Interacting with reporters upon arrival at the Srinagar airport, Kumar said, "We will be interacting with voters across the beautiful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, and specifically with the Booth Level Officers in Budgam, who serve as the cornerstone of the Election Commission. After these interactions, we will also enjoy the magnificent scenery of Kashmir".

 

 

 

During the visit, CEC is to participate in various programmes across the Valley aimed at engaging with voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Budgam district, meeting other electoral stakeholders, and also reviewing the field-level election machinery.

 

 

 

The CEC was warmly received upon his arrival at Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport by the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Sanjeev Verma, the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, and other senior officers from the Administration and the Election Department.

 

 

 

Gyanesh Kumar assumed charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on February 19, 2025. (ANI)