The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16, 2026, ordered the immediate posting of five Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across Assam as part of security and administrative preparations for the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026, which is scheduled in a single phase on April 9, 2026. The Commission asked the state government to implement the transfers at once and to submit a compliance report on officers’ joining by March 17, 2026.
According to the ECI order, Somalin Shubhdarshini (IPS) has been posted as SSP of Majuli; R Shoutal Kumar (IPS) as SSP of South Salmara; Anchal Chauhan (IPS) as SSP of Sadiya; Sudhakar Singh (IPS) as SSP of Chirang; and Mohan Lal Meena (IPS) as SSP of Dhemaji. The poll body also directed that officers who have been transferred out must not be assigned any election-related responsibilities until the polls conclude.
In a separate notification, the Commission appointed retired IAS officer Manjeet Singh as Special Observer for the Assam elections. The Special Observer is tasked with periodic visits to assess poll preparedness, monitor election conduct and submit inputs to the ECI for necessary action. He will coordinate with the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, who will provide logistical and administrative support during the election process.
Following the election announcement, the ECI has directed strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Commission clarified that the MCC applies to both the state and Central governments with respect to policy announcements and decisions related to the poll-bound state. The ECI also emphasised protecting citizens’ privacy during campaigning: demonstrations or picketing outside private residences will not be allowed, and land, buildings or walls cannot be used for flags, banners or posters without the owner’s consent.
Elections for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will take place on April 9, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for May 4, 2026. The contest is expected to pit the ruling BJP-led NDA, headed in the state by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, against the opposition Indian National Congress. In the previous 2021 Assam assembly election, the NDA (BJP, Asom Gana Parishad and United People’s Party Liberal) won 75 seats, with the BJP securing 60; voter turnout in 2021 was about 86.2 percent with over 2.2 crore registered voters.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/eci-posts-five-ssps-in-assam-appoints-special-observer-for-assam-legislative-assembly-election-2026-1360667-2026-03-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-16 19:01:00
