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Bengal CEO Meets ECI to Finalize Voters List Date After SC Order

The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal is meeting the full bench of the Election Commission to set a new date for publishing the final voters' list. This follows a Supreme Court order granting an extension beyond the original February 14 deadline. The meeting will also cover arrangements for the upcoming Assembly elections, including the number of phases and security requirements. The final voters' list is now expected by the end of February, after which the poll dates will be announced.

Key Points: Bengal CEO to Finalize Voters List Date with ECI

  • SC grants extension for voters list
  • Meeting to finalize new publication date
  • Discussions on election phases & security
  • Final list expected by month-end
2 min read

Bengal Chief Electoral Officer to meet ECI today to finalise new date for final voters list publication

West Bengal CEO meets ECI to set new date for final voters list after Supreme Court extension, ahead of crucial Assembly elections.

"The final list will definitely be published before the end of this month - CEO office insider"

Kolkata, Feb 10

The Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal will hold a crucial meeting with the full bench of the Election Commission of India on Tuesday to finalise the new date for publication of the final voters' list in the state that will bring an end to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision.

The meeting is crucial, being held after the Supreme Court -- a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant -- on Monday directed the ECI to grant Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) at least one additional week beyond February 14 to complete scrutiny and take appropriate decisions regarding the publication of the final voters' list.

Agarwal reached Delhi late Monday night, and his meeting with the full bench of the ECI will be held later Tuesday. "Besides discussing the new date for publication of the final voters list, the CEO will also discuss with ECI's full bench about arrangements for the Assembly elections in the state scheduled for this year, especially as regards to number of phases that the polls would be conducted and the requirement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for that purpose," a CEO's office insider said.

Incidentally, the CEO's office has already sent a recommendation to the ECI for a single-phase polling in the state this time, while maintaining that the final decision in the matter will rest with the Commission.

The earlier deadline for completing the hearing sessions on claims and objections to the draft voters' list was February 7, and accordingly, the date for publication of the final voters' list was fixed for February 14.

"However, following the Supreme Court's order on Monday, the date for publication of the final voters' list will not be before February 21. The final list will definitely be published before the end of this month or at the latest by the last day of this month," an insider in the CEO's office said.

After the publication of the final voters' list, the full Bench of the Commission will visit West Bengal to take stock of the situation. Soon thereafter, the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections in the state, will be announced.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Single-phase polling recommendation is interesting. Multi-phase elections in Bengal often lead to more violence and tension. Hope the ECI considers the ground reality and ensures a peaceful, single-day vote. Our state needs stability.
R
Rohit P
The requirement of CAPF is always a big talking point here. Given past incidents, adequate central forces are absolutely necessary to maintain law and order during polling. ECI must not compromise on this.
A
Aman W
While the extension is good for accuracy, I hope this doesn't become a pattern of delays. Election schedule is tight. The final list must be published by month-end as promised so that political parties and voters can prepare.
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, it's fascinating to see the detailed process. The involvement of the Supreme Court shows the robustness of Indian democracy. Hope the final list ensures every eligible citizen can exercise their franchise.
N
Nisha Z
As a first-time voter from Kolkata, I'm eagerly waiting for the final list to check my name. The process seems thorough, which is reassuring. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Hope the elections are conducted smoothly and we get a good government.

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