A delegation of the Election Commission of India led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reached Assam on February 16 for a three-day assessment of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The delegation includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. During the visit, the Commission is scheduled to interact with representatives of political parties, senior election officials, law enforcement authorities and other state agencies.

Review of electoral arrangements

Officials said the Commission will conduct detailed review meetings on multiple aspects of election management. These include revision of electoral rolls, law and order arrangements, deployment of security forces, polling station infrastructure and the use of technology to ensure free and fair elections.

The team will also examine the availability and preparedness of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units. Training programmes for polling personnel are also part of the review agenda.

Special attention is expected to be given to sensitive and vulnerable polling stations across the state. Given Assam’s diverse geography, discussions will also focus on arrangements for remote and riverine polling locations, particularly in flood-prone and border areas.

Focus on voter participation and reforms

The Commission is set to assess progress on ongoing electoral reforms, including efforts to increase voter participation, strengthen grievance redressal systems and curb the influence of money and muscle power during elections.

In its meetings with political stakeholders, the poll panel aims to address concerns and ensure a level playing field for all parties in the electoral process.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with the two Election Commissioners, is expected to address the media on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the visit.

Voter list update

The 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly is expected to go to polls around March or April, with the current Assembly’s term ending on May 20.

Earlier this month, the Commission released the final voter list following the Special Revision 2026 exercise for all 126 constituencies. The final roll records 2,49,58,139 voters, a reduction of 2,43,485 from the draft list figure of 2,52,01,624.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised that science and technology must serve the broader public interest as the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi moved into its second day.

In a post in Hindi, the Prime Minister said that intelligence, rationality and decision-making make science and technology beneficial to the masses. He noted that the India AI Impact Summit aims to explore how artificial intelligence can be deployed for public welfare.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, describing qualities such as the desire to listen, attentive hearing, comprehension, retention, reasoning, decision-making and understanding of principles as the foundations of intellect and intelligence.

Focus on responsible and inclusive AI

On the opening day of the summit on Monday, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s commitment to developing responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence while inaugurating the expo. He interacted with startups, researchers and technology leaders who presented AI-driven solutions spanning multiple sectors.

He is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, outlining India’s approach to global cooperation and its vision for inclusive, trusted and development-oriented AI.

Global participation and startup showcase

The summit features 13 country pavilions, reflecting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and several African countries.

More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations are being organised under three thematic “chakras” — People, Planet and Progress — highlighting AI’s impact across different domains.

Over 600 high-potential startups are also taking part, with several already deploying population-scale AI solutions in real-world settings.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that opposing Vande Mataram or making derogatory remarks against national symbols was “nothing short of treason,” while accusing the Samajwadi Party and Congress of misleading people in the name of the Constitution.

Speaking in the Legislative Council during the Budget Session, the chief minister said that the National Song symbolises India’s pride and honour and was recognised by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950. He stressed that every citizen has a duty to respect national symbols, including the Tricolour, the national anthem, the national song and national icons.

Adityanath said that opposing Vande Mataram amounted to an insult to the Constitution and its framers, including B. R. Ambedkar. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for issuing a notification making the National Song mandatory at public functions, as the Centre marks 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Targets Opposition over conduct

Responding to the discussion on the Governor’s address, Adityanath alleged that members of the Opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, had shown “indecorous and inappropriate conduct,” which he said disrespected a constitutional office and a woman holding a high post.

He maintained that it was the responsibility of all legislators to uphold constitutional decorum and avoid behaviour that could send the wrong message to future generations.

Highlights development claims

The chief minister said that Uttar Pradesh had witnessed significant transformation over the past nine years, aligning with what he described as broader changes in the country over the last 11 years. He claimed that the state had moved from “policy paralysis and administrative instability” before 2017 to a model based on discipline, clear policy and decisive leadership.

Adityanath described Uttar Pradesh as a “Triveni of technology, trust and transportation” and said welfare schemes, employment initiatives and investment promotion had strengthened the state’s position as an investment destination.

He also asserted that since 2017, the state had not witnessed communal riots or curfews, contrasting it with the period before 2017, when, according to him, criminals enjoyed political patronage.

Referring to religious gatherings, he said over 66 crore devotees attended the Maha Kumbh last year, while more than 21 crore pilgrims took a dip at the Triveni during the current Magh Mela, attributing the turnout to improved arrangements and public trust.

“Na curfew, na danga – UP mein sab changa,” Adityanath said, asserting that the state had moved from what he described as a “fear zone” to a “faith zone.”