.Desk News : Voice of Calcutta

Big EC Move Ahead of Bengal Polls: 4,660 New Booths Approved to Strengthen Voting Infrastructure

In a series of decisive steps ahead of the विधानसभा elections, the Election Commission of India has approved the creation of 4,660 additional polling booths in West Bengal, aiming to make the electoral process smoother, more accessible, and transparent.

With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission has taken a significant step to reinforce the state’s voting infrastructure. Currently, the total number of polling booths across 294 विधानसभा constituencies stands at 80,681. With the addition of 4,660 new booths, the number will rise to 85,379.

According to Commission sources, auxiliary booths will be set up in locations where the number of voters exceeds 1,200, in order to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother voting experience. This move is a key reason behind the increase in booth numbers.

In addition, around 321 polling stations are set to be relocated to more accessible locations, ensuring ease of travel for voters.

The directive was issued from the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal on Friday. The Commission has made it clear that all new booth setups and relocations must strictly follow the guidelines laid down in 2020.

Special emphasis has also been placed on voter awareness. Authorities have been instructed to personally inform every voter affected by booth relocation. Moreover, wide publicity must be ensured in the concerned areas so that no voter remains uninformed. All political parties will also be formally notified in writing about these changes.

Polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results to be declared on May 4. To ensure free and fair elections, strict security measures are being implemented. These include a ban on carrying mobile phones inside polling booths, CCTV surveillance, and live webcasting.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has already begun district visits to review on-ground preparedness.

With administrative tightening, increased booth capacity, and enhanced monitoring, the Election Commission’s message is clear—zero tolerance for lapses, and a firm commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.

Desk News : Voice of Calcutta