KOLKATA, March 22: The Election Commission (EC) has stepped up security and poll preparedness measures in West Bengal as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Senior police officers began visiting police stations across the state from Sunday to assess readiness, review law and order arrangements, and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
These inspections focus on preventing electoral malpractices, such as voter intimidation, booth capturing, rigging, and any form of violence, while also building voter confidence in the electoral process.
During the visits, officers-in-charge at police stations were briefed on the EC’s six key directives, which emphasize maintaining law and order, preventing inducement or coercion of voters, and ensuring that polling booths remain free from manipulation.
Police commissioners and superintendents are conducting ground-level reviews to ensure that local police units are fully equipped to manage election-related contingencies. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand visited Bhangar police station and held meetings with officers from the division, explaining the EC guidelines and highlighting the need for preventive action in areas prone to political clashes.
He emphasized that voters should be able to cast their ballots without fear and described measures such as identifying vulnerable areas and communities, increasing police presence, and patrolling extensively.
Senior officers also inspected police stations in the southern suburbs of Kolkata, including Narendrapur, Sonarpur, and Baruipur. DIG Presidency Range Kankar Prosad Barui reviewed the preparations at these locations, particularly around rural polling booths, and held discussions on measures required to ensure smooth voting.
He underlined that all personnel must remain ready for election duty and adhere strictly to the EC’s guidelines to ensure free and fair elections.
To further bolster security, the EC has deployed around 480 companies of central forces in the state, with nearly 2,000 more expected to arrive in phases.
By March 31, an additional 300 companies of central armed forces are scheduled to reach West Bengal. Each CAPF company typically consists of 100 to 135 personnel, significantly enhancing the security framework and ensuring rapid response capabilities.
The 294-member West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases, on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.
The Election Commission’s proactive approach, including senior police inspections, preventive measures, and deployment of central forces, is designed to maintain law and order, prevent electoral misconduct, and allow voters to exercise their franchise without fear.
The focus on confidence-building and strict enforcement underscores the EC’s commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in West Bengal. (PTI)
