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West Bengal Phase 2 Elections: 41,001 Polling Stations, 2,400 CAPF Deployed

West Bengal is prepared for the second phase of assembly elections on Wednesday, with 41,001 polling stations across eight districts. Over 2,400 companies of CAPF are being deployed to ensure peace and security. Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta confirmed that all strong rooms will be guarded and CCTV cameras installed. He urged voters to turn out in large numbers, beating the 93% turnout from the first phase.

Key Points: West Bengal Phase 2 Polls: 41,001 Stations, 2,400 CAPF Deployed

  • 41,001 polling stations across 8 districts in South Bengal
  • 2,400 CAPF companies deployed for security
  • 6 cases of deletions and 1,468 additions in the electoral roll
  • Webcams installed at every booth, body cameras for some contingents
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West Bengal: 41,001 polling stations, 2,400 CAPF companies deployed ahead of polling

West Bengal gears up for phase 2 assembly elections with 41,001 polling stations and 2,400 CAPF companies deployed. Special Observer Subrata Gupta confirms preparations.

"We are prepared for the worst. While we believe that the planning which has gone into phase two will bear fruit in the form of a peaceful second phase, we are prepared to face any law and order issue. - Subrata Gupta"

Kolkata, April 29

Ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal on Wednesday, Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta expressed confidence in the preparedness for polling.

, "The final preparation is good. We are prepared to host phase two of the elections tomorrow in 41,001 polling stations across eight districts in South Bengal. Almost 2,400 companies of CAPF are being deployed to maintain peace and law and order and also to ensure the security of the voters...We are prepared for the worst. While we believe that the planning which has gone into phase two will bear fruit in the form of a peaceful second phase, we are prepared to face any law and order issue," Gupta told ANI.

He urged people to vote in large numbers.

"We would invite all voters to beat the figures already achieved in phase one, which is 93 % plus. We invite all voters in phase two to come and vote peacefully and without any fear...There have been six cases of deletions and 1,468 cases of addition in the roll. Those who have been included in this 1,468, they will be able to cast their vote in this phase," he added.

On security arrangements, he said some contingents will be equipped with body cameras, while all strong room complexes will be guarded by CAPF personnel as per defined security protocols. "CCTV cameras have been installed at the entry points of strong rooms, and the footage will be accessible to candidates and their agents," he said.

Gupta further noted that each polling booth will be manned by four security personnel. "At least two webcams have been installed at every booth--one inside and one outside," he added.

He also said that most residents are enthusiastic about voting and highlighted the availability of a toll-free helpline (18003450008) for complaints. "Anyone can call and lodge a complaint. It will be recorded and entered into our system to ensure proper redressal," Gupta said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good that they're using body cameras and CCTVs at strong rooms. But let's be honest - we've seen a lot of "security assurances" before. I just hope they actually implement it properly, especially when handling complaints through that toll-free number. The real test will be on the ground, not just on paper.
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Michael C
41,000 polling stations with webcams inside and outside - that's some serious monitoring. The 1,468 additions to the roll seem legit, but I'd be curious about those 6 deletions. Still, it's encouraging to see the Election Commission taking proactive steps. Democracy needs this kind of transparency.
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Kavya N
I'm from South Bengal and people here are genuinely excited to vote. 🤞 The last phase had record-breaking turnout and we want to beat that. But the fear is real - my uncle lost his shop in the 2021 post-poll violence. Four security personnel per booth sounds good, but we need more assurance against booth capturing. Let's hope for smooth voting! 🗳️
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James A
Election preparedness in India keeps improving. CCTV at strong rooms and webcams at booths are a smart move. But I hope the helpline actually works - too many times these numbers are just for show. 93% turnout target is ambitious but achievable if people feel safe. Good luck to the voters and officials!
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Ravi K
One thing I appreciate is the transparency about additions and deletions in the voter roll. But 6 deletions? That's suspiciously low - usually there are more cases of bogus entries. Anyway, the focus should be on ensuring no violence and

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