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EC said the elections must be violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free. It also underlined that there should be no “chappa vote”, no booth jamming and source jamming.
EC Orders Tight Security in West Bengal, Central Forces to Stay Post-Counting. (PTI)
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, has instructed top officials in West Bengal to ensure elections are conducted in a free, fair, transparent and impartial manner.
Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioners, ADGPs, IGs, District Magistrates, CPs, SSPs and SPs, have been directed to guarantee that voters can exercise their rights without fear.
The Commission stressed that the elections must be violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free. It also underlined that there should be no “chappa vote”, no booth jamming and no source jamming.
Central forces to remain beyond counting day
The Election Commission said that 500 companies of central forces will remain deployed in the state even after the counting of votes on May 4. The state will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29.
An additional 200 companies of Central Armed Police Forces will be stationed to guard electronic voting machines, strong rooms and counting centres until the counting process is complete. Each company consists of 90 to 125 personnel.
Officials said the decision was taken in view of past incidents, especially the post-poll violence seen during the previous Assembly elections.
NIA probe into Malda incident
The Commission has handed over the investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda to the National Investigation Agency. The officers were handling cases related to the Special Intensive Revision.
An NIA team led by IG Sonia Singh reached Mothabari in Malda on Friday to begin the probe. The EC has asked the agency to conduct an inquiry and submit a preliminary report directly to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court orders
The Supreme Court criticised the West Bengal administration for what it called a “complete failure” and inaction over the gherao and attack on seven judicial officers.
The court described the incident as “deplorable” and directed that either the CBI or the NIA should investigate the matter. It also called for the deployment of central forces.
The Commission’s decision comes amid continued scrutiny of law enforcement preparedness in the state.
On March 10, the EC asked the state government to provide a list of police officers who were on duty during the 2021 post-poll violence. It also sought details on whether any departmental action had been taken against officers accused of misconduct.
A full bench meeting was held with the Chief Secretary and the DGP to gather detailed inputs. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and other members had also sought reports from the DGP on the issue.
Background of 2021 post-poll violence
Violence broke out in parts of West Bengal after the 2021 Assembly election, in which the Trinamool Congress returned to power for a third term.
Within 24 hours of the results, at least a dozen people were reported dead in clashes. The total toll was believed to be higher than the casualties during the election period.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and blamed the BJP for the violence. The BJP, however, alleged widespread attacks on its workers and properties, claiming at least six of its workers were killed and several homes and offices were vandalised or set on fire.
According to reports, the Trinamool Congress said five of its supporters were killed, including three in East Burdwan and one in Hooghly. A worker of the Indian Secular Front, allied with the Left and Congress under the Samyukta Morcha, was also killed in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas.
The Union Home Ministry sought a report from the state, while Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar held meetings with political leaders and called for accountability from the administration.
April 04, 2026, 07:05 IST
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