In a bid to improve voter convenience for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) has approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations across the state. This brings the total number of polling stations to 85,379.
According to election officials, the auxiliary polling stations will be established alongside existing booths with more than 1,200 voters. The proposal was submitted on March 28, and the EC informed the state’s Chief Election Officer of its approval in a letter dated April 3.
The EC emphasised that the establishment of these stations must strictly follow existing guidelines.
Additionally, the Commission has authorised the relocation of 321 polling stations. The letter to the CEO underlined the importance of properly informing voters about these changes, stating, “It must be ensured that all voters at relocated stations are individually informed by the authorities.”
Meanwhile, a senior official informed PTI that the Election Commission has raised concerns over the deployment of police personnel to provide security to individuals allegedly linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Before the election announcement, the West Bengal government had deployed 2,185 police officers to protect 832 TMC members and 144 others, including supporters. The EC has stressed that security deployments must be impartial and in accordance with established norms.
The elections for the 294-member assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with votes being counted on May 4.
