ECI Criticises Bengal CEO for Not Submitting High-Rise Poll Booth Proposals
Election Commission demands answers from West Bengal over booth delay.
The Election Commission of India has expressed strong disapproval toward the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal for not submitting proposals to establish new polling booths in high-rise buildings ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Despite repeated requests, no applications identifying suitable towers have been received, prompting the Commission to view the matter with utmost seriousness. This oversight raises concerns about the adequacy of polling facilities in densely populated urban areas.
In a formal communication to the CEO, the Commission highlighted the statutory obligations under Section 25 of the Representation of the People's Act, 1951, in conjunction with Section 160. It emphasized that District Electoral Officers bear direct responsibility for ensuring sufficient polling stations, warning of potential liability for any deficiencies in residential colonies. The failure to act could undermine the electoral process in regions with large voter concentrations.
The Special Intensive Revision of West Bengal's electoral roll is currently underway, with the draft voter list set for release on December 9, followed by publication on December 16 and the final list on February 14. This revision is aligned with the state's Assembly constituencies. Subsequent to the draft publication, a mandatory survey must assess the need for booths in multi-storey buildings, group housing societies, Resident Welfare Associations, slums, and gated communities.
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The Commission has mandated that if a residential area contains 250 houses or 500 voters, District Electoral Officers must conduct surveys and submit booth proposals by December 31. Strict adherence to this directive is required to guarantee equitable access to voting facilities across diverse housing types.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced opposition to placing polling booths within private housing complexes, arguing that such arrangements could compromise electoral neutrality and fairness. She noted that traditional polling stations are situated in government or semi-government institutions to maintain accessibility and impartiality, questioning whether external political pressures are influencing this proposed change and its potential to disrupt the integrity of the voting process.
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