Election Commission Takes Firm Stand for Peaceful Bengal Polls
In a decisive move to uphold democratic integrity, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has declared the Election Commission's unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful assembly elections in West Bengal. Addressing concerns over law and order and voter helplessness, Kumar emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and intimidation during a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Zero Tolerance for Violence and Intimidation
"The EC has zero tolerance towards violence and any kind of intimidation and would take very strong action against the persons involved," Kumar stated firmly. He acknowledged past incidents of pre-poll and post-poll violence in Bengal but expressed hope that such occurrences would not repeat this time. "Earlier, pre-poll and post-poll violence took place (in Bengal), but it would not happen this time, we hope," he added, underscoring the commission's proactive stance.
Strict Enforcement of Rule of Law
During a two-day review of poll preparedness, the EC's full bench issued clear instructions to state administration officials to enforce the rule of law strictly and operate without fear or favor. "Non-partisan conduct of officers is necessary, and this we have made very clear during our interactions with the different levels of officers over the last two days," Kumar explained. He assured voters that any official failing to adhere to rules would face severe consequences, stating, "The Election Commission would like to ensure each and every elector that if any official associated with the elections process does not work as per the rule and law, EC will take very strong action against that person."
Confidence-Building Measures and Security Deployment
To bolster voter confidence, the EC plans to deploy central forces professionally, augmenting state police to prevent unlawful activities near polling stations. Kumar highlighted that all political parties, state government officials, and law enforcement agencies have assured the commission of violence-free elections. "All political parties, national or state, the entire state govt headed by the chief secretary and all district collectors, the commissioners of police, the director general of police and all SPs have assured the commission that elections which are going to be held shortly shall be violence-free and without any intimidation," he reported.
Decision on Election Phases and Voter Lists
Regarding the number of election phases, Kumar indicated that the EC would decide after reviewing all factors in Delhi. "The Election Commission will be going back to Delhi and take a decision after taking into account all factors that were discussed in the review. In how many phases the elections could be conducted would be dependent on the law and order preparedness of the state machinery," he said. On the issue of 60 lakh voters with pending cases, he noted that supplementary lists would be published as per Supreme Court directives and shared timely on the website.
Response to Political Criticisms and Voter Revision
When asked about criticisms from Trinamool Congress leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Kumar maintained a diplomatic stance. "India is a free, democratic country and every political party has the right to say what it needs to say... The EC does not answer statements of all political parties. The EC acts under the Constitution and the law and avoids making political statements," he remarked. Addressing concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) causing voter inconvenience, he clarified that SIR was conducted fairly in 12 states, including Bengal, with active officer participation to ensure eligible voters are included and ineligible ones excluded.
This comprehensive approach by the Election Commission aims to restore voter trust and ensure a smooth electoral process in West Bengal, setting a precedent for democratic practices nationwide.
