Bengal Elections: Election Commission beefs up security in Bengal; orders installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive booths.

The second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal is scheduled to take place on April 29. In light of this, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to install CCTV cameras at certain polling stations. These CCTV cameras will be deployed at polling stations deemed to be of critical importance or classified as highly sensitive.

Reports of Intimidation During the First Phase

A source from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer stated, “During the first phase of the elections, two CCTV cameras were installed within the premises of the polling stations—one inside the polling booth and the other immediately outside it—with the aim of preventing electoral malpractice within the stations. However, during the first phase, there were some reports of voters being intimidated outside the polling stations. Therefore, this time, the Election Commission has decided to install CCTV cameras outside the polling stations as well, in order to maintain strict surveillance on the various roads leading up to the polling centers.” The source added that the number of CCTV cameras to be installed for monitoring activities on the access roads leading to the polling stations would depend on the sensitivity level of the respective polling stations.

Restriction on Entry of Non-Voters Within a 100-Meter Radius

The entry of non-voters—or even voters who have already cast their ballots—within a 100-meter radius of the polling stations will be prohibited. Individuals carrying food or water for election officials deployed at the polling stations will also be required to obtain special permission from the concerned District Election Officer (DEO) to enter the polling station premises with these items. Both the individuals carrying these items and the items themselves will be subjected to a thorough search.

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has issued an appeal to voters to turn out in large numbers at the polling stations on April 29 to cast their votes during the second phase of polling. The CEO stated, “I assure you of your safety and security. Therefore, please come out in large numbers to cast your votes. Ensure that the voter turnout exceeds 90 percent, just as it did in the first phase. This is your constitutional right. If anyone attempts to obstruct the voting process, strict action will be taken against them. All political parties have been duly informed regarding this matter.”

Special Action by Central Forces

Earlier on Sunday, the Election Commission directed the central forces deployed for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections—scheduled for April 29—to undertake special operations across the state against makers of crude bombs prior to the polling.

Additionally, the Commission instructed force personnel to immediately intensify their bomb-neutralization activities and ensure that no explosions occur on election day. The directives issued by the Election Commission to the central forces in this regard came on the very same day that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the prime accused in connection with an explosion that took place in the Bijayganj Bazar area of ​​South 24 Parganas district.