ECI Reviews Poll Preparedness for West Bengal Assembly Elections, Assures Zero Tolerance for Violence.
Kolkata:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday conducted a detailed review of preparations for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections during a high-level meeting held in Kolkata.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who was accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission assessed multiple aspects of election readiness, including law and order, election logistics, training of polling staff, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) management, and voter awareness initiatives.
Interaction with Political Parties
During the visit, the Commission held consultations with representatives of several recognised national political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, and the National People’s Party.
Representatives of recognised state parties such as the All India Forward Bloc and the All India Trinamool Congress also participated in the discussions.
Most political parties appreciated the large-scale Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in the state. They expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to conduct transparent and credible elections.
Concerns Over Violence and Security
However, party representatives urged the Commission to take strict measures to prevent intimidation or aggression against voters during the election period. They requested the deployment of large numbers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure security at polling stations.
Several parties also raised concerns about the possible use of crude bombs, illegal firearms, and money and muscle power during the elections. They appealed to the Commission to ensure a peaceful electoral environment and suggested that polling be conducted in one or two phases to maintain better control over security arrangements.
ECI Assures Free and Fair Polls
Responding to the concerns, CEC Gyanesh Kumar assured all parties that elections in India are conducted strictly according to law and that the Commission would take every necessary step to ensure impartial, transparent and fair polls in West Bengal.
He emphasised that the Commission would maintain zero tolerance towards violence and intimidation, whether directed at voters or election officials.
The political parties, in turn, assured the Commission of their full cooperation in ensuring that the elections are conducted peacefully and without violence.
Transparency in Electoral Rolls
Reiterating the transparency of the SIR exercise, the CEC stated that the primary objective is to ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll while preventing the inclusion of ineligible persons. He added that citizens can still submit Forms 6, 7, and 8 for additions, deletions, or corrections in the voter list.
Review with Administrative and Security Officials
Later in the day, the Commission held another extensive review meeting with senior officials, including heads and nodal officers of enforcement agencies, Inspector Generals (IGs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), Divisional Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, District Election Officers (DEOs), and district police chiefs.
Officials reviewed preparations related to election planning, law and order management, seizure of illegal materials, training of polling staff, and voter outreach programmes.
The Commission directed enforcement agencies to act with complete impartiality and take firm action against any attempts to influence voters through inducements.
Facilities for Voters
The ECI also instructed all District Election Officers to ensure that Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) are available at every polling station. These include ramps for persons with disabilities, wheelchairs, and adequate drinking water facilities to ensure voter comfort and accessibility.
The Election Commission’s review visit marks a significant step in strengthening preparations for the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections, with a strong focus on transparency, security, and voter convenience.
