Will the Majority of the 15,000 New Polling Booths in Bengal Be Located in Housing Complexes?
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Synopsis
West Bengal is preparing to set up around 15,000 additional polling booths for the 2026 Assembly elections, with many likely located in private housing complexes. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed concerns over this decision, arguing it could compromise fairness and accessibility, while the ECI remains steadfast in its approach.
Key Takeaways
- 15,000 additional polling booths will be set up in West Bengal for the 2026 Assembly elections.
- A large proportion of these booths are likely to be located in private housing complexes.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns about the fairness and accessibility of these polling stations.
- The ECI maintains that no booth should have more than 1,200 voters.
- The decision has sparked a debate on voting accessibility versus electoral integrity.
Kolkata, Dec 2 (NationPress) Approximately 15,000 new polling booths are set to be established for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, with a significant portion expected to be located within private housing complexes, according to sources from the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office.
Reports indicate that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal had 80,681 polling booths, a figure that is projected to rise to 95,668 for the upcoming Assembly elections. This translates to 14,987 additional polling booths across the state.
In light of this increase, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed District Magistrates, who also serve as District Electoral Officers, to identify large housing complexes with high-rise towers suitable for setting up these polling stations.
“Given this directive, it is anticipated that a substantial portion of the 14,987 additional polling booths will be situated within such housing complexes. However, most of these booths are expected to be found in and around Kolkata and other major urban centers where high-rise residential buildings are prevalent,” a CEO office source mentioned.
The decision to add more booths for the 2026 Assembly polls follows the ECI's guideline that no booth should accommodate more than 1,200 voters.
Notably, last month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concerns in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, opposing the ECI’s suggestion to place polling stations inside private housing complexes for the upcoming Assembly elections.
“This suggestion poses significant issues. Polling stations should always be located in government or semi-government facilities, ideally within a 2 km radius, to guarantee accessibility and impartiality. Private venues should be avoided due to the potential for unfairness, as they create distinctions between affluent residents and the general populace,” the Chief Minister's correspondence stated.
BJP’s Information Technology Cell Chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, countered the Chief Minister’s claims, asserting that any premises can be identified as a polling station as long as they facilitate easy voting for all.
“Polling booths have previously been established in high-rise buildings in Delhi and other regions. Why is it suddenly a concern that the ECI is expanding voting access? No existing booths are being removed. Please clarify what troubles you — the enhancement of voting access, or the undermining of your narrative?” Malviya questioned.
Political analysts noted that the ECI has decided to proceed with its plan to establish polling booths within private housing complexes, disregarding the Chief Minister’s concerns.
Point of View
The decision to establish additional polling booths in private housing complexes raises important questions about accessibility and electoral fairness. While the intention to increase voting access is commendable, it is crucial to ensure that all voters feel equally represented and that no biases are introduced in the electoral process.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many additional polling booths will be set up in West Bengal?
Around 15,000 additional polling booths are set to be established for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Where are most of the new polling booths likely to be located?
A significant portion of the new polling booths is expected to be situated within private housing complexes.
What concerns did Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raise?
She expressed concerns that polling stations in private complexes could compromise fairness and accessibility.
What is the ECI's guideline regarding voter capacity at polling booths?
The ECI has mandated that no polling booth should accommodate more than 1,200 voters.
What was BJP's stance on this issue?
BJP's Amit Malviya defended the ECI's decision, arguing it facilitates easier access to voting.
