Will the ECI's New Approach Solve the Polling Booth Crisis in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The ECI's independent mechanism aims to tackle the challenges faced in polling booth identification in Bengal. With DMs and DEOs missing deadlines, the Commission takes charge, ensuring voters' access in the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI is implementing an independent mechanism for polling booth identification.
- Local authorities missed crucial deadlines, prompting ECI's intervention.
- Temporary booths may be established if housing associations refuse permission.
- The plan focuses on urban and industrial areas for polling booth placements.
- Political parties are actively engaged in discussions with the ECI regarding these changes.
Kolkata, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has opted for an independent strategy to pinpoint housing complexes featuring multiple towers for the establishment of polling booths in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
This decision follows the inability of the District Magistrates (DMs), who also serve as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), to identify housing complexes housing 300 voters or more for polling booth placement, as indicated by sources from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in West Bengal.
“The DMs and DEOs have missed two successive deadlines to submit the list of identified housing complexes to the Commission. The final deadline was December 31, and the lists are still pending. Consequently, the Commission has resolved to employ its own mechanism to identify these complexes for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Detailed plans regarding this will be disclosed shortly,” stated an insider from the CEO’s office.
Moreover, in cases where owners’ associations do not grant permission for polling booths within the complexes, the ECI may arrange temporary polling booths and associated facilities in the vicinity.
“In such scenarios, temporary polling booths will be established at locations accessible to voters living in multiple nearby housing complexes,” the sources elaborated.
Currently, the ECI's plan aims to set up polling booths primarily in Kolkata, adjacent townships in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and the Howrah districts, as well as industrial townships like Asansol and Durgapur in West Burdwan district, and Siliguri in Darjeeling district.
On Wednesday, a delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs met with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to voice the party’s concerns regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.
During their discussion, the CEC reaffirmed that there would be no retreat from the ECI's earlier decision to establish polling booths within these housing complexes.
Point of View
It is our duty to report on the significant actions undertaken by the Election Commission of India. Their decisive move to independently identify polling booth locations reflects a commitment to ensuring democratic processes are upheld, especially in the face of administrative challenges. We stand with the nation in advocating for fair and accessible elections.
NationPress
01/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ECI's new strategy for polling booths?
The ECI has decided to use an independent mechanism to identify housing complexes for polling booths due to the failure of local authorities to meet deadlines.
Why did the ECI take this action?
The decision was made after District Magistrates and Electoral Officers failed to identify complexes with enough voters for polling booths.
What happens if housing associations deny permission for polling booths?
The ECI may set up temporary polling booths nearby to ensure accessibility for voters.
