In a significant development for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, only two large housing complexes in the Kolkata South constituency have provisionally agreed to host polling stations on their premises. This tepid response comes despite a direct push from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to set up booths inside gated communities to improve voter participation.
Widespread Reluctance Among Resident Welfare Associations
The initiative, spearheaded by Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, directed District Election Officers (DEOs) in six districts to identify large complexes with at least 500 voters. The deadline for submitting lists was set for December 6. However, as of now, only the DEO of Kolkata South has forwarded two names. The DEOs of Kolkata North, Howrah, Hooghly, and North and South 24 Parganas are yet to send their updated lists.
The primary reason for this hesitation is a deep-seated fear among Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) of getting entangled in political disputes. Many high-rise residents fear security risks, the entry of outsiders, potential political disturbances, and the logistical challenge of accommodating central security forces for an extended period.
Consent Under Review as Political Concerns Mount
One of the two complexes named, Silver Spring, is now reconsidering its initial agreement. Its RWA stated that they were under the impression that consent was mandatory. After being apprised of the voluntary nature of the request, they have decided to hold a board meeting with all residents to make a final decision.
This reconsideration follows a meeting at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra last week, where Mayor Firhad Hakim addressed complex representatives and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined via speakerphone. The political leaders highlighted the potential "pitfalls" of allowing booths inside private complexes, which significantly swayed many RWAs.
Another complex, Sunrise Tower in Beleghata, has already formally withdrawn its consent after learning that few others had agreed. "We, too, were under the impression that the consent was mandatory. But after we learnt that no other complex had agreed to it, we sent a mail to the DEO and withdrew our consent," an RWA member explained.
EC's Turnout Goal Clashes with Ground Realities
The Election Commission is actively promoting this measure as a proven method to boost voter turnout. A senior official cited the success in Salt Lake, where complexes like Labani, Purbachal, and Srabani have hosted polling stations for years. The official also pointed to Delhi, which saw a 15% rise in turnout in its last Assembly elections, partly attributed to polling stations moving into gated communities.
Despite this, RWAs in Kolkata feel caught in a political tussle between the EC and the state administration. They express frustration at being asked to make isolated, politically sensitive decisions. "Why should we be caught in a political crossfire? If there is a specific EC instruction applying to all high-rises, we will comply. But if the EC wants us to decide on our own, we can't do that," said an office-bearer of a complex in Kankurgachhi.
The situation presents a clear challenge for election authorities: how to implement convenience measures for voters when the implementing bodies—the housing societies—feel vulnerable and politically exposed. With the deadline passed for most districts, the EC's plan for Kolkata's urban voters hangs in the balance.
