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ECI Directs Bengal Police to Ensure Peace During Voter List Revision

The Election Commission of India has directed the West Bengal police to ensure absolute peace and security during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The communiqué, citing a Supreme Court order, was sent to top state officials including the Acting DGP and Chief Secretary. It mandates the deployment of adequate staff at all venues where hearings on the draft voters' list are being held. The ECI has warned of strict action against any authorities whose acts or omissions disturb the revision proceedings.

Key Points: ECI Orders Bengal Police to Ensure Security for Voter List Revision

  • ECI directs police for peaceful SIR
  • Warns of action for non-compliance
  • Supreme Court order cited
  • Adequate manpower for CEO ordered
  • Security at hearing venues mandated
2 min read

Bengal SIR: ECI directs police to ensure absolute security during revision exercise

Election Commission directs West Bengal police to maintain strict law and order during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning of action for non-compliance.

"Strict action shall be taken in case of any non-compliance - Election Commission of India communiqué"

Kolkata, Jan 21

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday directed Acting Director General of West Bengal Police Rajeev Kumar to abide by the Supreme Court order earlier this week and ensure an absolutely peaceful law and order situation in the state during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise.

On Wednesday, a communique was forwarded to Kumar from Election Commission of India (ECI) Secretary Pawan Diwan, directing strict action on this count.

In the communique, copies of which were also forwarded to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, the Commission directed all district collectors, other police commissioners and district police superintendents to strictly adhere to the apex court order and maintain strict law and order during the ongoing SIR.

In the communique, the Commission also cautioned the state government that strong action would be taken in case of non-compliance with the apex court's direction.

"Strict action shall be taken in case of any non-compliance with the above directions or occurrence of instances of any disturbance to SIR proceedings due to omission or commission of any act by the concerned authorities. You are directed to ensure the strict compliance of the aforesaid directions," read the communiqué, a copy of which is available with IANS.

The ECI also directed the state government to provide adequate manpower to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, for deployment at panchayat bhawans, block offices and other places where hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters' list are held.

"Each district collector/superintendent of police should deploy adequate staff and forces to ensure the smooth conduct of SIR proceedings at such places. The director general of police, West Bengal, commissioner of police (Kolkata), superintendent of police of each district and the collectors are instructed to ensure that there are no law and order problems at the locations and that the SIR-related activities proceed smoothly," the communiqué said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good move! The state administration needs this kind of oversight. A peaceful revision process ensures every legitimate voter gets enrolled without fear. Let's hope for a clean list this time. 🙏
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the ECI's directive, it's a bit sad that such strong warnings are needed for a basic democratic exercise. Shouldn't ensuring law and order be the default for the state police? This shows a lack of trust, and perhaps for good reason based on past events.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with election observation, this is crucial. The revision period is often when intimidation happens to prevent certain communities from enrolling. Strict central monitoring is the only way to guarantee a free and fair process in sensitive states.
V
Vikram M
The communique mentions deployment at panchayat bhawans and block offices. That's where the real ground-level work happens. If the police and administration do their duty properly, common citizens can submit their claims and objections without any "darr". Fingers crossed.
N
Nikhil C
Directly naming the DGP and Chief Secretary holds them accountable. No more passing the buck. The ECI means business this time. This is for the integrity of our democracy. Jai Hind!

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