Kolkata, April 27: The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is set for April 29. The Election Commission has decided to strengthen its monitoring system by installing CCTV coverage on roads leading to critical and highly sensitive polling stations.
According to a source from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, two CCTV cameras were installed inside the polling station premises during the first phase of the elections. One camera was placed inside the polling room, while the other was positioned just outside, aimed at preventing electoral irregularities within the polling station.
Reports of voter intimidation outside polling stations were noted during the first phase. Consequently, the Election Commission has opted to install additional CCTV cameras outside polling stations this time, ensuring stringent surveillance on various roads leading to these locations.
The number of CCTV cameras installed will depend on the sensitivity of the respective polling stations, allowing for tailored monitoring of activities on the roads leading to them.
Access will be restricted to non-voters or those who have already cast their ballots within a 100-meter radius of the polling stations. Even individuals bringing food or water for election officials will require special permission from the District Election Officer (DEO) to enter the polling booth with such items. Both the individuals carrying these items and the items themselves will undergo thorough checks.
Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has urged voters to come out in large numbers to cast their votes on April 29.
“I assure you of your safety. Therefore, please come out in large numbers to vote. Let’s ensure that the voter turnout exceeds 90%, as it did in the first phase. This is your constitutional right. Any interference in the voting process will be dealt with seriously. All political parties have been informed about this,” the CEO stated.
Earlier on Sunday, the Election Commission directed central forces deployed for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections to launch a special campaign against bomb makers across the state before the elections.
The commission instructed the forces to expedite their bomb disposal activities and ensure that no explosives detonate on polling day. This directive came on the same day that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the main suspect in connection with an explosion in the Bijoyganj market area of South 24 Parganas district.
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