Election Commission Postpones CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Chhattisgarh Visit Over Unavoidable Reasons

The Election Commission of India has postponed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s scheduled visit to Chhattisgarh, citing “unavoidable reasons”, according to a government order issued on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).

Mr Kumar and a couple of senior officials of the Election Commission were scheduled to travel from Delhi for a two-day visit covering October 7 and 8.

Revised date to be communicated

The postponement was conveyed through a letter issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Chhattisgarh.

“It is informed that the Commission [ECI] has postponed the Chhattisgarh visit programme of Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner, and other senior officials of the Commission, due to unavoidable reasons.The revised date of the visit will be communicated separately once it is received from the Commission,” the letter said.

The letter did not announce a new date for the visit, saying that the revised programme would be communicated separately after it was received from the Commission.

Mr Kumar is facing criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Temple and waterfall visits were planned

The Chhattisgarh government had declared Mr Kumar a State Guest for his scheduled visit on October 7 and 8, 2026.

Instructions had also been issued to make the necessary protocol arrangements for him.

The planned schedule included visits to the revered temples of Goddess Danteshwari in Dantewada and Bhoramdeo in Kabirdham.

It also included a visit to the Chitrakoot water fall in Bastar district.

The postponement leaves the timing of these planned engagements dependent on the revised programme that the Election Commission is expected to communicate separately.

Source: The Hindu