Kolkata, 21 April (H.S.): Ahead of the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Election Commission has placed six districts of the state under special surveillance and classified them as highly sensitive.

The districts under close watch are Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, Paschim Bardhaman and Uttar Dinajpur, according to sources in the Election Commission.

Sources said Commission officials reviewed the electoral history of West Bengal over the past 15 years before taking the decision. The move is aimed at preventing any form of conflict, violence or disturbance during the polling process.

The Election Commission has directed concerned officials to immediately arrest individuals against whom non-bailable warrants are pending. Authorities have also been asked to monitor potential troublemakers closely and detain them if necessary.

According to the Commission, several untoward incidents had taken place in these six districts during previous elections. As a result, extensive security arrangements are being planned this time to ensure peaceful polling.

The Commission has already stated that the 2026 Assembly election will be conducted in a bloodshed-free, free, fair and peaceful manner. Its latest measures are being seen as another major step toward achieving that objective.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh