Kolkata, 16 April (H.S.): In a move aimed at ensuring free and fair elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has issued key directives to strengthen security at vulnerable polling stations. The Commission has instructed authorities to erect temporary bamboo barricades around booths that lack permanent boundary walls to prevent unauthorized access.

According to a source in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, several polling stations—many located within school premises have been identified during inspections as lacking proper enclosures. This raises concerns that outsiders could bypass security surveillance by central armed police forces deployed at these locations.

The issue is particularly acute in remote and forested areas, where polling stations are surrounded by dense vegetation or open terrain, increasing the risk of security breaches. Taking this into account, the Commission has directed that such booths be secured with bamboo fencing, along with the deployment of additional security personnel to ensure strict monitoring and control of entry points.

The Commission has also issued specific instructions to Booth Level Officers, directing them to distribute voter slips door-to-door, similar to the recently concluded Special Intensive Revision exercise. It has clearly stated that under no circumstances should this responsibility be delegated to representatives of any political party.

Ahead of the first phase of polling, sector officers, presiding officers, and other election staff have been given strict guidelines to maintain neutrality. They have been instructed not to seek or accept any assistance from political parties or their agents during the polling process.

Additionally, election personnel have been advised against accepting food, water, or any other items from political representatives, and instead rely solely on arrangements made by the administration.

Polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh