Kolkata, 17 October (H.S.). Preparations for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections have begun early, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) moving ahead to finalize the roles of both central and state security and intelligence agencies well before the polls.

According to officials from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, letters have been sent to 22 central and state agencies seeking the names of officers who will serve as nodal officers during the electoral process. These names have been requested by October 30.

Once the names are received, State CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal will hold a meeting next month with all the designated nodal officers. During these meetings, the Commission will clearly outline the specific roles and responsibilities of each participating agency in the election process.

Typically, this exercise begins only after the official election notification and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, considering the sensitivity of Bengal elections, the Commission has initiated this process much earlier this time.

Sources in the CEO’s office said that the Commission is particularly cautious about sensitive zones, especially border areas adjoining international boundaries, where heightened security measures will be in place before the polls.

The Commission will also maintain strict surveillance on campaign expenditures by political parties and candidates. Special vigilance will be exercised to curb any attempts to influence voters through cash, liquor, or other inducements during campaigning.

The political atmosphere in West Bengal is already tense, with ongoing accusations between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list. Sources indicate that the SIR notification may be issued any time soon.

Earlier this month, a central team from the Election Commission visited the state to review the preparations for the SIR exercise. The team directed the CEO’s office to ensure strict adherence to all ECI norms, particularly in the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), emphasizing that no leniency would be tolerated in these crucial processes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh