NewKerala.com

West Bengal Extends 24x7 Helpline for Free and Fair Elections

West Bengal's Lok Bhavan has extended its 24x7 citizen helpline until May 10 to support free, fair, and fear-free assembly elections. The helpline addresses grievances, threats, and obstructions to voting rights, with all representations handled confidentially. The second phase of elections is set for April 29 across 142 constituencies, following a record 93.2% voter turnout in the first phase. Election results will be declared on May 4, alongside results from Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Key Points: West Bengal 24x7 Citizen Helpline Extended Till May 10

  • West Bengal extends 24x7 citizen helpline till May 10 for election support
  • Helpline addresses grievances, threats, and obstruction to voting rights
  • Second phase of assembly elections on April 29 with 142 constituencies
  • First phase recorded 93.2% voter turnout; results on May 4
2 min read

West Bengal: Lok Bhavan announces continuation of 24x7 citizen helpline to ensure free and fair polls

West Bengal's Lok Bhavan extends 24x7 citizen helpline till May 10 to ensure free, fair, and fear-free assembly elections. Voter turnout hits 93.2% in first phase.

"Lok Bhavan, West Bengal reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every citizen is able to exercise their democratic rights in a free, fair, and fear-free environment. - Lok Bhavan"

Kolkata, April 28

Lok Bhavan, West Bengal, on Tuesday announced that it had extended the 24x7 citizen helpline till May 10 to ensure free, fair and fear-free elections.

As per the release," Lok Bhavan, West Bengal reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every citizen is able to exercise their democratic rights in a free, fair, and fear-free environment. The dedicated 24x7 Citizen Helpline will remain fully operational at least till 10th May 2026 to provide assistance and guidance relating to the ongoing Assembly election process, ensuring uninterrupted support during this crucial period. The dedicated 24x7 Citizen Helpline, which was established to assist voters and address concerns relating to the conduct of the ongoing Assembly election process, has been receiving representations from citizens across the state."

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to a fair democratic process by encouraging citizens to use the official helpline for reporting grievances or threats related to their electoral rights.

"The helpline has been functioning as an accessible platform for reporting grievances, seeking guidance, and facilitating timely institutional support. In continuation of this initiative, it is hereby informed that citizens may continue to reach out to the helpline to report any instances where they face difficulty in exercising their rights, encounter obstruction, or perceive any threat to their life or personal liberty in connection with the electoral process. All representations received will continue to be handled with due sensitivity and utmost confidentiality, and earnest efforts will be made for their prompt redressal in coordination with the appropriate authorities. Citizens are once again encouraged to actively participate in the democratic process and to make use of the helpline whenever required," the release read.

The campaigning for the second and final phase of the assembly elections in Bengal ended as 142 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase on April 29.

The state has recorded a massive 93.2% voter turnout in the first phase of the elections, a record-breaking figure that has both the TMC and the BJP claiming a decisive lead.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

The results will be declared on May 4, along with Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

K
Kavya N
Free and fair elections are the backbone of democracy, especially in Bengal where politics can get quite heated. The helpline being extended till May 10 shows they're taking voter concerns seriously. But let's be honest—will there be enough staff to handle calls from all 142 constituencies? Quality matters as much as the promise.
R
Rohit P
This is reassuring. In rural areas, many voters fear going to polling booths due to local strongmen or political pressure. A 24x7 helpline in Bengali and English will help a lot. I hope they've also trained operators to handle sensitive cases with care. 🤞
S
Sarah B
Impressive turnout of 93.2%! That's higher than most states. A helpline is a smart step, but I hope it's not just a PR move. Citizens need to know their complaints are actually investigated and not just recorded. Transparency in follow-up is key.
M
Michael C
Every state should have such a system during elections. In Bengal, where political rivalries run deep, voters need assurance that their vote is secret and safe. The fact that it's 'fear-free' is crucial. Good move by the authorities, but execution will tell the real story.
P
Priya S
I appreciate the effort, but my concern is the timing—the second phase is tomorrow! Many voters might not even know about this helpline. They should have started advertising it weeks ago on local TV and radio. Awareness is half the battle won. 📢
<

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50