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International Delegates Witness Peaceful Bengal Polls Amid Tight Security

International delegates from seven countries visited polling stations in West Bengal's Darjeeling district during the first phase of Assembly elections, praising the efficient management and facilities. The Election Commission's International Election Visitors' Programme aims to showcase India's electoral practices and foster global cooperation. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari observed peaceful polling in his Nandigram constituency, contrasting it with past incidents of disruption and voter intimidation. The overall polling process has been peaceful with heightened security alertness across the constituencies.

Key Points: Int'l Delegates Review Bengal Phase 1 Polling, Praise Management

  • Int'l delegation visits Bengal polling booths
  • ECI showcases best electoral practices
  • Suvendu Adhikari notes peaceful polling vs past
  • Security coverage prevents voter intimidation
  • Key contests in Nandigram and Bhabanipur
3 min read

Bengal polls: International delegates witness ongoing 1st phase voting in Siliguri

International delegates visit Bengal polling stations, praise festive environment & security. Suvendu Adhikari notes peaceful voting compared to past elections.

"They appreciated the efficient management and festive environment of the polls. - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, April 23

With the voting underway in 152 constituencies scattered over 16 districts in West Bengal in the first phase of the Assembly polls, international delegates accompanied by the officials of the Election Commission of India visited some polling stations of Darjeeling district on Thursday, and witnessed the ongoing polling process.

The polling booths in the Darjeeling district that the international delegates visited included a few in Siliguri and one in Matigara.

"They appreciated the efficient management and festive environment of the polls. They also applauded the webcasting measures at polling stations, along with the assured minimum facilities such as wheelchairs, drinking water, shade, and seating arrangements for elderly and PwD (persons with disabilities) voters," read a social media statement by the ECI in the matter.

It is learnt that as part of the ECI's international election visitors' programme (IEVP) 2026, a 13-member delegation from countries like Namibia, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, Switzerland, Kenya, and International IDEA is currently in West Bengal to review the first phase of the state Assembly elections.

According to the ECI, the purpose of the IEVP is to showcase best electoral practices in the country and strengthen global cooperation with election management bodies throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has been moving around from one polling booth to another within his native Assembly constituency of Nandigram in East Midnapore district, where he is contesting this time as well.

Speaking to the media persons during his movement, he said, unlike previous elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress supporters this time have not been able to disrupt the polling process so far.

"The hooliganism on the part of the ruling party activists, especially as regards to voters' intimidation, started from the night before the polling day in previous elections. However, because of the blanket security coverage this time over the polls, they could not conduct the same hooliganism this time. I am hopeful that during the polling day also, the same situation will prevail and the polling will be peaceful," Adhikari said.

Besides Nandigram, Adhikari this time is contesting simultaneously from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, where he is pitted against the Trinamool Congress candidate and the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. The polling in Bhabanipur will be in the second phase on April 29.

Important BJP leaders and also party candidate like fashion designer-turned-politician and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator, Agnimitra Paul, former national vice president of the BJP, Dilip Ghosh, and Mayor of the Trinamool Congress-run Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMS), cast their votes early and then started moving from one place to another. The polling has been peaceful so far, with security personnel being overalert this time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Suvendu Adhikari's comment about reduced hooliganism due to security is a positive sign. Bengal elections have been too violent in the past. Hope the peaceful trend continues in all phases. Voters deserve a fear-free environment.
A
Aman W
While showcasing best practices is good, I hope the ECI also listens to the delegates' feedback honestly. There's always room for improvement, especially in remote areas. The webcasting is a good step for transparency.
S
Sarah B
Interesting mix of countries in the delegation – from Nepal to Switzerland. Sharing electoral knowledge globally is important. India's scale of elections is unmatched, so there's a lot to learn from the logistics here.
V
Vikram M
The real test is in the later phases and in more sensitive constituencies. Siliguri and Darjeeling have unique dynamics. Hope the peaceful polling isn't just a show for the international guests. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Wheelchairs and drinking water are basic facilities, but it's good they are being highlighted. In many rural booths, these are still missing. The ECI should ensure these 'minimum facilities' are truly available everywhere, not just in showcased booths.

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