Kolkata, 28 April (H.S.): Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, political activity in the state has intensified. Just before the second phase of polling, the Election Commission of India has taken a strict stance to ensure law and order. The Commission has handed over a detailed list to the state Director General of Police, identifying individuals who could potentially create disturbances across 142 assembly constituencies.
According to sources, a letter was sent by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to the DGP on April 27. The letter clearly states that incidents of voter intimidation and violence reported during the first phase must not be repeated in the second phase.
Data indicates that over 2,000 preventive arrests were made during the first phase. Ahead of the second phase, this number has already risen to 2,300. On Monday alone, around 1,500 such arrests were carried out, followed by 809 more in the last 24 hours. The figure is expected to cross 2,500 before polling day.
The list, shared as ‘Annexure A’ and ‘Annexure B’, includes names and even contact details of suspected troublemakers across 142 constituencies, including areas in North and South 24 Parganas and other districts.
Several Trinamool Congress leaders are reportedly named in the list. These include Samim Ahmed, a candidate from Magrahat West and close aide of Abhishek Banerjee, Jahangir Khan from Falta, as well as Sheikh Shahjahan and Shibprasad Hazra from Sandeshkhali. Additionally, Barik Biswas and Sahanur Mondal from the Basirhat region are also said to be under scrutiny.
In its communication to the DGP, the Commission emphasized that the next 72 hours are extremely crucial. Police have been instructed to closely monitor the individuals listed and take strict action if necessary, including filing FIRs and carrying out preventive detention. Referring to recent directions from the Calcutta High Court, the Commission reiterated that police have full authority to act independently to maintain law and order. A zero-tolerance policy has been mandated against voter intimidation or attempts at booth capturing.
These stringent measures come in response to violent incidents, including attacks on candidates during the first phase. To ensure swift action, the list has also been circulated among field-level police officers via WhatsApp groups.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
