Kolkata, 16 April (H.S.): Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, the issue of electricity absence in over 100 polling stations across Kolkata has startled election officials, prompting the Election Commission of India to issue urgent directives to ensure uninterrupted voting arrangements.

According to officials, the Commission has made it mandatory to install web casting systems at every polling booth to ensure transparency during voting. However, the absence of electricity in several locations has raised serious concerns over the feasibility of implementing this requirement. District election officers have now been instructed to immediately restore power supply or arrange generators wherever permanent electricity connections are not available.

While rural polling stations often face such infrastructural challenges, officials noted that the situation in an urban center like Kolkata is unexpected. Most polling booths are set up in school buildings, raising questions about the preparedness of basic infrastructure and the role of state authorities in ensuring essential facilities. An election official stated that providing electricity connections in schools is primarily the responsibility of the state administration, but lapses have contributed to the current situation.

Sources indicated that more than 50 of the electricity-deficient polling stations have been identified in the Kolkata Port area alone. This has also raised concerns over how voting was previously conducted at these locations. The Commission emphasized that web casting cannot function without uninterrupted power supply.

Officials also pointed out that on polling day, many booth rooms are sealed or kept closed, leading to inadequate natural lighting. This makes proper illumination arrangements essential to ensure smooth conduct of voting.

The Election Commission has further directed that all polling stations must be equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities. Reports suggest that several booths still lack these basic amenities. District election officers have been instructed to complete all necessary arrangements in the coming days.

Voting in the state will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh