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Election Tram Launched in Kolkata as Bengal Braces for Two-Phase Polls

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer inaugurated a special election-themed tram car in Kolkata to promote the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. The polls will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. This comes amid reports of campaign violence in the Basanti constituency, leading the Election Commission to suspend a police inspector for alleged negligence. The Commission has also partnered with the popular animated character 'Chhota Bheem' for a voter awareness campaign.

Key Points: Bengal CEO Inaugurates Election Tram for 2026 Assembly Polls

  • Election tram launched for voter awareness
  • Polls in two phases on April 23 & 29
  • ECI suspends police inspector for negligence
  • Violence reported in Basanti constituency
  • Campaign features animated character Chhota Bheem
2 min read

West Bengal CEO inaugurates election tram car in Kolkata to promote assembly polls

West Bengal CEO launches voter awareness tram with Chhota Bheem. ECI suspends police officer after Basanti violence during campaign.

"We have received a report from the DO, and police have filed a specific case for assault and other sections of law, and an investigation is going on. - Manoj Kumar Agarwal"

Kolkata, March 28

An Election Tram car with posters promoting the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 was inaugurated in Kolkata by the state Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, on Friday.

The state will conduct elections in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes for both phases scheduled for May 4.

The Election Commission has partnered with the popular animated character 'Chhota Bheem' to launch a campaign aimed at raising voter awareness ahead of the Assembly elections.

While speaking to reporters, CEO Agarwal said that a report from the District Officer (DO) regarding the recent violence in Basanti has been received.

He further stated that the police have filed a specific case for assault, along with other applicable legal sections, and that an investigation is currently ongoing.

"We have received a report from the DO, and police have filed a specific case for assault and other sections of law, and an investigation is going on," he told reporters.

Violence broke out in the Basanti assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district during the campaign of BJP candidate Bikash Sardar near Basanti Bazaar.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended Inspector Avijit Paul, In-Charge of Basanti Police Station, with immediate effect.

The suspension follows the violent incident on March 26 in the Basanti Bazar area under Basanti Police Station, Baruipur Police District, which resulted in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel.

"It has been observed that Insp. Avijit Paul, I/C Basanti PS, has failed to make adequate police arrangements in spite of having prior information regarding the public programme of two political parties. Further, the CAPF has been made available for the last few days. Despite this, he did not requisition CAPF for maintenance of law and order. This reflects serious negligence and dereliction of duty on his part," the ECI said in an order.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Suresh O
Good initiative by the CEO. The tram is a symbol of Kolkata, so using it for voter awareness is perfect. However, the focus should remain on ensuring peaceful polls. The suspension is a good step, but we need to see concrete action to prevent such violence in the future phases.
R
Rohit P
All this awareness campaigning is fine, but what about the safety of candidates and voters? If a police inspector with prior information can fail so badly, what about other constituencies? The EC must ensure CAPF is deployed proactively, not just after violence breaks out.
A
Ananya R
I appreciate the effort to make voting trendy for the youth with Chhota Bheem. But we also need to teach the importance of peaceful democratic participation. The violence is a shameful episode. Hope the investigation is swift and the guilty are punished, regardless of political affiliation.
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, the blend of traditional transport (tram) with a modern cartoon for election outreach is fascinating. However, the reported violence underscores a universal challenge in elections: maintaining order. The immediate suspension shows the EC is serious about accountability.
K
Kavya N
The two-phase election gives the EC time to tighten security after the Basanti incident. The tram campaign is a nice touch of Kolkata culture, but the real test is a free and fair vote without fear. My humble request to all parties: let people choose in peace.

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