CPI(M) Calls on ECI for Single-Phase Bengal Elections
Synopsis
In a recent appeal to the Election Commission, CPI(M) leaders call for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections to occur in a single phase, emphasizing the need for improved voter safety and election integrity.
Key Takeaways
CPI(M) advocates for single-phase elections in West Bengal.
Concerns raised about the ECI's handling of voter revision processes.
Congress emphasizes the need for security during elections.
Both parties seek to ensure fairness in the electoral process.
Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) A delegation from the West Bengal chapter of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) made a formal request to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, urging that the upcoming Assembly elections in the state be held in a single phase. The delegation, comprising three members and led by Mohd Salim, a Politburo member and the state secretary, met with the ECI's full Bench, which is headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during his two-day visit to West Bengal.
The CEC's visit is aimed at assessing the current judicial review of voters' documents flagged as “logical discrepancy” cases and evaluating the state’s readiness for the elections scheduled for later this year.
After the meeting, Salim addressed the media, stating that the CPI(M) had advocated for either single-phase polling or a maximum of two phases, stressing that more than two phases should be avoided. He expressed concerns about the ECI's approach to the voter revision process, questioning why it seemed to antagonize ordinary voters through a poorly planned Special Intensive Revision. Salim emphasized the need for the ECI to uphold its integrity as a constitutional entity.
In a separate meeting on the same day, a Congress delegation led by former Rajya Sabha member Pradip Bhattacharya also engaged with the ECI. Bhattacharya remarked that while they didn’t specify the number of polling phases, their primary concern was ensuring that this election is conducted fairly and securely. He stated, “Regardless of whether the election is held in one, two, or three phases, our main request is for comprehensive security to prevent any recurrence of violence, voter intimidation, or rigging. We would prefer a single-phase election, but security remains our utmost priority.”
Point of View
Reflecting a broader demand for accountability and integrity within the electoral framework.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CPI(M) request from the ECI?
CPI(M) requested that the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal be conducted in a single phase.
Who led the CPI(M) delegation to the ECI?
The delegation was led by Mohd Salim, a member of the Politburo and state secretary of CPI(M) in West Bengal.
What were the concerns raised by the CPI(M) delegation?
They criticized the ECI for its handling of the voter revision process, questioning its impact on ordinary voters and calling for the Commission to maintain its dignity.
Did the Congress party make any requests to the ECI?
Yes, the Congress delegation urged the ECI to ensure free and fair elections, focusing on security rather than the number of polling phases.
Why is the Election Commission's role important in this context?
The ECI is responsible for overseeing the electoral process, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly, securely, and according to constitutional guidelines.
