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Bengal Polls: ECI Adds 4,660 Auxiliary Booths, Deploys Massive Security

The Election Commission of India has approved 4,660 auxiliary polling stations for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, bringing the total number of booths to 85,379. This move, along with the shifting of 321 stations, aims to enhance voter convenience in areas with over 1200 voters. The ECI is deploying a record 2,400 companies of central and state armed forces to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polling across the two phases. A significant security contingent will remain post-poll to guard strong rooms and prevent violence, following issues in previous elections.

Key Points: ECI Approves 4,660 Auxiliary Polling Stations for Bengal Polls

  • 4,660 auxiliary polling stations approved
  • Total booths now 85,379 for two-phase polls
  • Record 2,400 security companies deployed
  • Measures aim for free, fair, and violence-free voting
  • Polling on April 23 and 29, counting May 4
3 min read

Bengal polls: ECI approves 4,660 auxiliary polling stations to enhance voter convenience (Lead)

ECI boosts Bengal polls with 4,660 auxiliary booths and a record 2,400 security companies to ensure free, fair, and violence-free voting.

"Wide publicity regarding the setting up of auxiliary polling stations and shifting of polling stations might be given - ECI Communique"

Kolkata, April 4

In view of the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India on Saturday approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in areas where the number of voters has exceeded 1200.

ECI has also approved the shifting of 321 polling stations for the convenience of the voters.

With the setting of the 4,660 auxiliary polling stations, the number of polling stations, including auxiliary ones, will be 85,379 for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal later this month.

The ECI's secretary, Sujeet Kumar Mishra, has already sent a communique to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, communicating about the permission to set up these auxiliary booths as well as the shifting of some polling stations.

In the communique, the ECI secretary also stated that in case of a change in polling stations, it should be ensured without fail that all the voters of that polling station housed in that location be informed individually by the authorities concerned.

"Wide publicity regarding the setting up of auxiliary polling stations and shifting of polling stations might be given in the respective polling station areas, and the recognised political parties are informed," read the communique, a copy of which is available with IANS.

The two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, while in the second phase, the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies will go to the polls.

The vote counting will be taken up on May 4.

The ECI this time is determined to ensure absolutely free and fair and violence-free polling in West Bengal and hence has decided to deploy a record number of 2,400 companies combining personnel from central armed police forces (CAPF), India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and personnel from other state armed police forces for the polls.

Already, 480 companies are in West Bengal as part of the advance deployment.

After the completion of polling in the second phase on April 29, 200 companies of CAPF will be retained in West Bengal for security arrangements of EVMs/strong rooms and counting centres, and remain deployed till the completion of counting in the state.

At the same time, 500 companies of CAPFs will continue to remain deployed in the state till further order, for law and order duties and to prevent instances of post-poll violence, which was rampant in West Bengal both after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

As per the notification, the remaining 1,700 companies of personnel from CAPF, IRB, and armed police forces from other states will be de-inducted after completion of polling on April 29 and move back to their respective locations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The massive deployment of central forces shows how serious the situation is in Bengal. Post-poll violence has been a stain on our democracy. Hope this time, with 2400 companies, the election will be truly peaceful and every vote will be safe.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, the execution is key. In my area last time, the booth was shifted and the notice was put up in a corner where no one saw it. "Wide publicity" must mean SMS alerts, loudspeaker announcements, and door-to-door information. ECI needs to ensure this.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's impressive to see the scale of planning. 85,379 polling stations! The logistical challenge is enormous. Kudos to the election machinery for trying to make the process more accessible. Democracy in action.
V
Vikram M
Good move. But the real test is on polling day. Will the auxiliary stations have proper facilities? And will the central forces be able to prevent intimidation at the booth? Bengal needs a violence-free election, bas.
K
Kavya N
Hope the focus on convenience doesn't compromise security. EVM safety and strong room security are paramount. Glad to read that 200 companies will stay back specifically for that till counting. Jai Hind!

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