ECI Reviews Poll Preparedness for West Bengal Elections
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assures free, fair and violence-free polls in the state
- Election Commission reviews readiness for upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections
- Political parties call for strong security and deployment of CAPF
- ECI assures zero tolerance towards violence and voter intimidation
- Commission reviews EVM management, logistics and voter facilities
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 9th March: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday conducted a comprehensive 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 along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, who assessed various aspects of poll preparedness in the state.
During the visit, the Commission interacted with representatives of recognised national political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and National People’s Party. Representatives of recognised state parties, including the All India Forward Bloc and the All India Trinamool Congress, also participated in the discussions.
According to officials, most political parties appreciated the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted in West Bengal and expressed confidence in the Election Commission’s ability to conduct fair elections.
At the same time, political parties urged the Commission to take strict measures to prevent voter intimidation, aggression and violence during the election period.
They called for large-scale deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure peaceful polling and raised concerns about the possible use of crude bombs, illegal firearms and money power during the elections.
Some parties also suggested that the elections be conducted in one or two phases to maintain effective law and order.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assured political parties that the Election Commission would ensure a transparent, impartial and violence-free electoral process.
He stated that elections in India are conducted strictly according to law and reiterated that the Commission would adopt zero tolerance towards violence and intimidation of voters or election staff.
The Commission also clarified that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been carried out in a transparent manner with the objective of ensuring that all eligible voters are included while ineligible entries are removed.
Officials said that citizens can still submit Forms 6, 7 and 8 for additions, deletions or corrections in the electoral rolls.
Following the interaction with political parties, the Commission held a detailed review meeting with senior officials, including heads and nodal officers of enforcement agencies, police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district election officers and senior police officers.
The discussions covered key aspects such as election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election personnel, law and order, seizures of illegal items and voter awareness programmes.
The Election Commission directed enforcement agencies to act with complete impartiality and take firm action against any attempts to influence voters through inducements or illegal means.
District Election Officers were also instructed to ensure the availability of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at polling stations, including ramps, wheelchairs and drinking water, to facilitate convenient voting for all citizens.
