West Bengal Police Challenges LoP Suvendu Adhikari's Claims on Postal Ballot Management
Synopsis
West Bengal Police has firmly rebutted Suvendu Adhikari's accusations regarding the management of postal ballots for the upcoming elections. The police clarified the procedures involved, emphasizing transparency and adherence to electoral norms.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal Police denies allegations regarding postal ballot management.
Transparency emphasized in the voting process.
Police procedures for voting are clarified.
Concerns raised by Suvendu Adhikari regarding democracy.
Official responses aim to reassure public trust.
Kolkata, March 10 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the West Bengal Police dismissed claims made by the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, concerning the management of postal ballots by reserve officers in light of the upcoming Assembly elections.
In a statement shared on X, the West Bengal Police asserted, "The allegation put forth is categorically denied.
There is no possibility for Reserve Officers to collect Postal Ballots (PB) from police personnel. PBs can only be distributed by the Presiding Officer at the Postal Voting Centre (PVC). Once voters have cast their votes, they seal the PB in a designated envelope and deposit it into the appropriate drop box at the PVC. This entire procedure is documented via video.
The police's response followed Adhikari's criticism of the Mamata Banerjee administration for purportedly breaching protocols after a district administration delegated the responsibility of postal ballot management to the West Bengal Police Welfare Organisation.
On a recent post, Adhikari claimed that this action threatens the very essence of democracy and urged the Election Commission to take appropriate action.
In rebuttal, the Bengal Police clarified, "The steps taken are as follows: Police personnel assigned outside their voting constituencies on election duty utilize the Postal Ballot system for Absentee Voters in Essential Services (AVES) by submitting Form 12D. The Police Nodal Officer then sends these applications to the relevant Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer of the constituency where the personnel are registered for authentication.
Furthermore, the post elaborated, "Approved voters receive SMS notifications outlining the venue, date, and time for voting at the PVC. Additional details regarding these arrangements are also available on the official website of the District Election Officer.
According to the state police, PVCs are established at the headquarters of the Returning Officer where police personnel report for duty.
After proper identification, in the presence of polling agents from various political parties, qualified personnel cast their votes via postal ballot at the PVC, thus facilitating their participation in the democratic process transparently. There is no chance of Postal Ballots being removed from the PVC or collected by Reserve Officers of Police," concluded the post.
Point of View
Particularly surrounding the electoral process. The West Bengal Police's emphasis on transparency aims to reassure the public amidst rising allegations, positioning itself as a guardian of democratic integrity.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations were made by Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari accused the West Bengal government of violating electoral norms by allowing police reserve officers to handle postal ballots for upcoming Assembly polls.
How did the West Bengal Police respond?
The West Bengal Police categorically denied the allegations, outlining the proper procedures for postal ballot management and asserting that there is no possibility for Reserve Officers to collect the ballots.
What is the process for police personnel voting via postal ballots?
Police personnel on election duty outside their constituencies can vote through a Postal Ballot by applying via Form 12D, which is then verified by the respective Returning Officer.
Are there measures in place to ensure transparency in the voting process?
Yes, the voting process at the Postal Voting Centre is video documented, and details regarding voting arrangements are made available to the public.
What is the significance of this issue?
This matter highlights the scrutiny and challenges faced by electoral processes, as well as the importance of maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
