CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Chhattisgarh visit postponed

The Election Commission of India has postponed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s two-day visit to Chhattisgarh, which was scheduled for October 7 and 8, citing “unavoidable reasons,” according to an official order issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Postponement announced by state authorities

The decision was conveyed through a letter from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) 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 stated.

The order did not specify the reason for the deferment. Mr. Kumar and senior Election Commission officials had been slated to travel from Delhi for the two-day programme.

Planned itinerary and protocol arrangements

The CEO’s letter noted that Mr. Kumar had been accorded State Guest status for the duration of the visit, with instructions issued for necessary protocol arrangements. It is learnt that the CEC’s tentative schedule included visits to the revered temples of Goddess Danteshwari in Dantewada and Bhoramdeo in Kabirdham, along with a visit to the Chitrakoot waterfall in Bastar district.

Background

Mr. Kumar’s planned visit came at a time when he has been facing criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Commission had not publicly linked the postponement to the ongoing controversy.

Next steps

State authorities said the revised dates for the visit will be shared once communicated by the Election Commission of India. No new schedule has been announced yet.