What Categories of Voters Will Have Home Hearings in West Bengal?
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Synopsis
In a significant move amid disputes over the draft voters’ list, the Election Commission of India has designated certain categories of voters for home hearings. This decision aims to ensure accessibility for vulnerable groups while sparking political tensions. Discover how this impacts the electoral landscape in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Home hearings for specific voter categories are now authorized in West Bengal.
- Eligible voters include seriously ill, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- Trinamool Congress's demand for BLAs during hearings was denied by the ECI.
- Political tensions are rising as the election process unfolds.
- The ECI emphasizes maintaining order during the hearing sessions.
Kolkata, Dec 29 (NationPress) Amid ongoing debates in West Bengal regarding the hearings for claims and objections to the draft voters’ list, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed on Monday evening that specific categories of voters will have their hearings conducted at their homes.
Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will visit the residences of these designated voters to carry out hearings on claims and objections, as confirmed by a source from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
According to the insider, the voters eligible for home hearings include seriously ill individuals, pregnant women, and senior citizens aged 85 and above. Additionally, this leniency will also apply to differently-abled persons.
However, the Commission declined a request from the Trinamool Congress to allow booth-level agents (BLAs) to attend the hearing sessions. It clarified that only the summoned voters, along with the EROs, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and Commission-appointed micro-observers, would be allowed in the hearings.
The Commission has also requested reports on two earlier incidents where elected legislators from the Trinamool Congress allegedly disrupted hearing sessions, insisting on the presence of party BLAs.
Furthermore, district magistrates, who also serve as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), have been instructed to ensure that no hearing sessions are forcibly halted in the future.
On Sunday, Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee held a virtual meeting with party leaders, workers, and BLAs, asserting the necessity for BLAs to be present during the hearings.
He also indicated that the Trinamool Congress would consider legal measures if BLAs were barred from attending.
The two Trinamool Congress legislators accused of halting hearing sessions claimed they were following directives from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the ECI's initiative to facilitate voter access through home hearings, which aligns with democratic principles. Nevertheless, the political frictions arising from this decision highlight the ongoing tensions in West Bengal's electoral environment, necessitating careful observation of the situation moving forward.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the categories of voters eligible for home hearings?
The eligible categories include seriously ill patients, pregnant women, senior citizens aged 85 and above, and differently-abled persons.
Why did the ECI deny the request for BLAs during hearings?
The ECI clarified that only the summoned voters and designated officials would be allowed to ensure the integrity of the hearings.
What actions were taken against Trinamool Congress legislators?
The Commission sought reports on incidents where two Trinamool Congress legislators allegedly disrupted hearings and instructed district magistrates to prevent future disruptions.
