Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission has taken a firm stance, directing district administrations and police authorities to inspect sensitive and violence-prone areas and submit a detailed report by 5 p.m. on April 16.

According to the directive, all District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police have been asked to personally visit vulnerable locations. The focus will be on areas and polling booths that witnessed violence during the 2021 Assembly elections, the 2023 panchayat polls, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This includes incidents reported before, during, and after polling.

The Commission has also instructed officials to ensure robust communication systems at every polling station, including mobile, satellite, and wireless connectivity, to enable swift response in case of emergencies. District and police authorities will jointly assess and strengthen these arrangements ahead of polling.

Reiterating guidelines for polling personnel, the Commission emphasized strict neutrality. It clearly stated that no official should accept any political influence, gifts, or benefits. Conducting mock polls before voting has been made mandatory, along with thorough checks of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units. Any irregularities during polling must be immediately reported through the Commission’s app or to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police has also stepped up enforcement measures, directing all police stations to execute pending arrest warrants without delay. Officers have been instructed to either arrest the accused named in the warrants or report the action taken to the Lalbazar headquarters. The directive applies to both bailable and non-bailable warrants.

The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases, with polling scheduled for April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh