CEC asserts need of a violence-free polling process in WB
KOLKATA: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Tuesday addressed a press conference in Kolkata concerning upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. He asserted the importance of a violence-free electoral process.
He announced that strict actions will be taken against anyone attempting to intimidate voters, highlighting the Election Commission's (EC) commitment to preventing both pre-poll and post-poll violence. The initiative of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to create an accurate electoral roll, ensuring that eligible voters are included and ineligible individuals are excluded, he said.
Kumar detailed that District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have received explicit instructions to maintain peace during the elections. "Moreover, the Election Commission, functioning under the directives of the Supreme Court and monitored by the Calcutta High Court, is actively verifying names that are under judicial review."
Regarding the structure of the election phases, the CEC indicated that the timeline will be determined based on the law and order situation. He also addressed criticism from Trinamool Congress leaders, asserting that the Election Commission of India operates as a constitutional entity and does not engage in political commentary.
The full bench of the Commission convened on March 8 in Kolkata, engaging in extensive discussions with law enforcement, DEOs, nodal officers from police and central forces and was followed by meetings with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the elections.