The CBI filed a charge sheet on Thursday against former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik and five others related to alleged corruption involving the Rs 2,200 crore contract for the Kiru hydropower project. After a three-year investigation, the CBI presented its findings to a special court, naming Malik and five additional individuals as defendants.

Malik, who shared on ‘X’ that he is currently hospitalized and unable to speak with anyone, mentioned receiving numerous calls from well-wishers that he couldn’t answer. He has been admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi since May 11, where he is undergoing dialysis.

The central agency has also charged IAS officer Navin Kumar Choudhary, the former chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), along with MS Babu, MK Mittal, Arun Kumar Mishra, and the construction firm Patel Engineering Limited.

In February of the previous year, the CBI conducted searches relating to this case. According to a statement made after the FIR was registered in 2022, the investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in awarding the Rs 2,200 crore civil works contract for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Project to a private firm in 2019.

Malik, who served as governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, claimed he was offered a bribe of Rs 250 crore to approve two specific files, including one associated with the project. He has denied any corruption allegations following a search operation conducted by the agency last year, asserting that the CBI raided his residence instead of focusing on those he had accused of wrongdoing.

The FIR alleges that, despite a decision made in the 47th board meeting of CVPPPL to re-tender the contract through e-tendering with a reverse auction after canceling the ongoing process, this was not acted upon as agreed in the 48th board meeting, leading to the final award of the contract to Patel Engineering Limited.

The Kunnathoor Grama Panchayat in Kerala’s Kollam district has unanimously decided to rename a junction previously known as “Pakistan Mukku.” The new name will be “Ivarukala,” reflecting local sentiment following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. This decision was made on Wednesday amidst strong opposition from the Left party regarding the renaming of junctions associated with Pakistan.

Binesh Kadambanad, the Panchayat’s vice-president, indicated that public sentiment played a significant role in this decision. The push for this name change was initiated by KG Anisya, a BJP ward member from Puthanampalam East, in response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Vinod Kumar, the Panchayat’s secretary, mentioned that the proposal has been submitted to the state government for final approval. It is now up to the state authorities to decide on the panchayat’s recommendation.

On Thursday, the Election Commission announced a reduction in the maximum number of electors at a single polling station from 1500 to 1200. This decision aims to alleviate overcrowding and minimize wait times at polling booths, making the voting process more accessible for citizens.

In response to urbanization, including high-rise buildings and residential colonies, the Commission envisions establishing additional polling booths in these areas to enhance convenience and accessibility for voters.

Moreover, voter information slips will be redesigned for improved usability, featuring more prominent serial numbers and part numbers for easier identification of polling details.

In a bid to refine the accuracy of electoral rolls, the Commission will obtain death registration data directly from the Registrar General of India (RGI). Once verified, this information will aid in removing deceased individuals from the rolls, ensuring greater authenticity.

The Commission has also implemented a comprehensive outreach program aimed at engaging political parties nationwide, conducting a total of 4,719 meetings with Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), District Electoral Officers (DEOs), and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). Over 28,000 political party representatives attended these consultations, which included 40 meetings at the CEO level, 800 at the DEO level, and 3,879 at the ERO level.

Additionally, the Commission has engaged in discussions with leaders from various National and State-level political parties, such as AAP, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), and NPP.

To bolster the election workforce, targeted training and identification measures are being prioritized. Special orientation programs have been conducted for State and Media Nodal Officers across all 36 States and Union Territories. Furthermore, Police Officers in Bihar have received election-specific training to improve coordination and readiness for polling duties.

Under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated transformative measures that promise to enhance the electoral framework of the country. These efforts demonstrate a firm commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and fostering democratic participation, reinforcing the Commission’s role as a guardian of India’s vibrant democracy.