Natonal Desk : Voice of Calcutta

The Election Commission held a full bench meeting in Kolkata to review preparations for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and attended by Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. During the review, the Commission assessed the overall election preparedness in the state, including administrative arrangements and the law and order situation.

In the first phase of the meeting, the Commission interacted with representatives of recognised national and state political parties. Political parties raised concerns about ensuring a free and peaceful election and called for adequate deployment of central forces to maintain security for voters. Some parties also expressed apprehensions about the possible use of crude bombs, illegal firearms, money power and muscle power during the elections.

According to sources in the Commission, the possibility of holding the elections in one or two phases was also discussed during the meeting. While there are indications that polling may be conducted in two phases considering administrative and security factors, no final decision has been taken yet.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assured political parties that elections in India are conducted strictly according to the law and that the Commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure a free, fair and transparent election in West Bengal. He also emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy against any form of violence or intimidation of voters or election staff.

Later, the Commission held a separate review meeting with senior administrative and law-enforcement officials of the state. Discussions focused on election management, EVM handling, security planning, training of polling personnel, and voter awareness initiatives. The Commission also directed officials to ensure assured minimum facilities at polling stations, including ramps, wheelchairs and drinking water for the convenience of voters.

Natonal Desk : Voice of Calcutta