Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections in West Bengal, asserting that no eligible voter’s name would be removed from the electoral rolls. Addressing a press conference after a series of meetings with political parties and administrative officials, Kumar said the poll body’s foremost priority is to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in the state.
Emphasising the importance of voter participation, Kumar said that every eligible citizen would have the opportunity to cast their vote. “Our aim is to ensure free and fair elections and peaceful polls in Bengal,” he said, adding that the people of West Bengal have historically believed in peaceful and participatory democracy.
Highlighting the scale of the electoral process in the state, the Chief Election Commissioner noted that West Bengal has around 80,000 polling stations, of which nearly 61,000 are located in rural areas. To enhance transparency and accountability during voting, the Election Commission plans to implement 100 per cent webcasting at polling booths across the state.
Kumar also made it clear that all government employees involved in the election process would be required to work strictly according to the Election Commission’s guidelines. “No laxity will be tolerated,” he said, underscoring the Commission’s determination to maintain discipline and neutrality in the conduct of elections.
The CEC further addressed concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating that the process was conducted in accordance with the Constitution and was completely fair. He added that the Election Commission would review the developments after returning to Delhi and hold a detailed assessment meeting.
However, Kumar’s visit to the state was marked by protests. On Tuesday morning, a group of demonstrators raised “go back” slogans and showed black flags to him during his visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Similar protests were reported outside the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport when he arrived in Kolkata on Sunday night. Protesters alleged arbitrary deletions of names in the electoral rolls following the SIR process.
On Monday, Kumar also faced demonstrations during his visit to the Kalighat Temple in the southern part of the city. Despite the protests, he continued with his scheduled engagements in the state.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kumar visited Belur Math, where he reiterated the poll panel’s commitment to violence-free elections in the state. He said the Commission would make every effort to ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India also weighed in on the SIR process, directing the state government and the Election Commission to ensure smooth working conditions for judicial officers handling related cases. According to the court, judicial officers have so far processed about 10.16 lakh objections and claims from individuals who were left out during the SIR exercise.
As preparations for the elections continue, the Election Commission has reiterated its resolve to conduct transparent and inclusive polls, while addressing concerns raised by stakeholders in the state.
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