Kolkata, 10 January (H.S.): The Election Commission of India (ECI) is reportedly dissatisfied with the process of identifying polling stations in private residential complexes in West Bengal ahead of the crucial assembly elections this year. The ECI is reportedly unhappy with the extremely low number of private residential complexes with 300 or more voters identified in the state.
According to sources in the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office, only 69 such private residential complexes with 300 or more voters have been identified so far in the state. This number is significantly lower than the commission's estimated requirement.
Of these 69 residential complexes, the highest number, 25, were found in South 24 Parganas district. This is followed by North 24 Parganas district with 22 such complexes. Both these districts are adjacent to Kolkata.
The commission is also surprised by the fact that only 10 such private residential complexes have been identified in the capital city of Kolkata. Of these, eight are located in North Kolkata and two in South Kolkata. According to CEO office sources, the low number of complexes identified in the state capital is surprising to the Election Commission.
In addition, five such private residential complexes have been identified in Hooghly district, four in Howrah district, and three in Purba Bardhaman district. In the remaining 14 districts of the state, not a single such residential complex with 300 or more voters has been found so far.
Notably, political conflict has erupted over this issue since the proposal to set up polling stations in private residential complexes came to light. The Trinamool Congress has strongly opposed this proposal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar opposing this move.
Arguments for and against this proposal are being put forward. On one hand, it is being argued that setting up polling stations inside residential complexes could cause inconvenience to the residents. On the other hand, it is also being argued that having polling stations in such premises would make it easier for elderly and infirm voters to cast their votes, as they would not have to travel to schools located far away.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey