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CPI(M) Demands Single-Phase Bengal Polls, Slams ECI's "Torture" Revision

A CPI(M) delegation led by Mohd Salim met the Election Commission's full bench to demand that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections be held in a single phase, or at most two phases. Salim sharply criticized the Commission's Special Intensive Revision of voter documents, accusing it of declaring "war against the common people" and turning into a "Torture Commission." A separate Congress delegation, while not specifying a phase count, emphasized the need for blanket security to prevent violence, rigging, and voter intimidation. Both parties engaged with the ECI bench, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, who is in the state to review electoral preparedness.

Key Points: CPI(M) Urges Single-Phase Bengal Polls, Questions ECI's Methods

  • CPI(M) demands single or two-phase polls
  • Criticizes voter revision as "unplanned"
  • Congress prioritizes security over phases
  • ECI reviewing poll preparedness
  • Focus on preventing past violence and rigging
2 min read

CPI(M) urges ECI to conduct Bengal polls in one phase this time

CPI(M) and Congress delegations meet ECI, demanding single-phase West Bengal Assembly elections and raising concerns over voter revision and security.

"Why the Election Commission had turned into a 'Torture Commission?' - Mohd Salim"

Kolkata, March 9

A delegation of the West Bengal unit of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, on Monday, appealed to the full Bench of the Election Commission of India to conduct the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state scheduled later this year in a single-phase.

A three-member delegation of the West Bengal unit of the CPI(M), led by the party's Politburo member and state secretary in West Bengal, Mohd Salim, on Monday morning, met the full Bench of the Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, who is on a two day visit to West Bengal.

The CEC is on a visit to review the ongoing judicial adjudication of the voters' documents identified as "logical discrepancy" cases as well as the preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly polls in the state scheduled later this year.

Speaking to media persons after coming out of the meeting with the ECI's full Bench, Salim said that the party delegation had demanded single-phase polling this time or maximum two-phase polling, but not more than that.

"At the same time, we questioned the Commission on why it made the common voters their enemies by conducting the Special Intensive Revision in such an unplanned manner. We questioned why the Commission had virtually declared war against the common people through this revision exercise. Why the Election Commission had turned into a 'Torture Commission?' We told them that ECI should maintain its own dignity as a constitutional body," Salim said.

A delegation of the West Bengal unit of the Congress also met the ECI's full Bench on Monday morning.

After coming out of the meeting, the Congress delegation leader and the former party Rajya Sabha member, Pradip Bhattacharya, said that although they have not commented on the number of phases that the polls should be conducted in, they said that the Commission, this time, should do whatever is necessary to ensure free and fair polls.

"Whether there be a single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase polling that is not our lookout. What we asked the Commission is to ensure that the polls this time are conducted under blanket security cover to prevent repetition of the past instances of violence, rigging, and intimidation of voters and Opposition party agents. Though we will be happy if the vote is held in a single-phase. But security is our priority, and we have made it clear to the Commission," Bhattacharya said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
While I respect the CPI(M)'s demand, calling the ECI a 'Torture Commission' seems too harsh. They have a difficult job. The voter list revision was messy, but the real issue is ensuring every legitimate voter can cast their vote without fear. Security first, phases later.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the Congress take a more pragmatic stance, prioritizing security over the number of phases. After the violence in previous elections, that should be the primary concern for everyone. Free and fair elections are non-negotiable.
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Arjun K
As a common voter from Howrah, the revision process was a nightmare! Standing in line for hours just to correct a spelling error. ECI should simplify these processes online. About phases, one day is best if they can manage the law and order. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Karthik V
The ECI's dignity comes from its actions, not from parties reminding them. They must conduct themselves impartially. Whether it's one phase or three, the result must reflect the people's will. No more booth capturing, please.
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Meera T
Good that all parties are engaging with the ECI. This is democracy in action. Let's hope for a peaceful election this time. Bengal deserves better than the political violence we've seen.

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