The Election Commission of India's full bench, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, is set to visit West Bengal on March 9-10 to assess post-SIR poll readiness for 2026 Assembly elections. Expect announcement of polling dates next week, amid enhanced security coordination and voter roll finalization.
Poll Preparation Escalates
As West Bengal braces for its 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ramps up oversight following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, published on February 28. The full bench's upcoming visit underscores the Commission's commitment to transparent, secure polls in this politically charged state.
Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal coordinated with ECI officials, focusing on voter list accuracy amid minor controversies like name spellings, which ECI clarified as unchanged. Recent virtual meetings reviewed district-level preparations with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police.
A postponed virtual session on March 5 will engage central agencies like CBI, ED, and CAPFs to bolster security against money, liquor, drugs, and border threats.
Key Highlights
-
Full bench visit: March 9 (arrival), review meeting March 10 in Kolkata.
-
Poll dates likely announced next week post-review.
-
Security focus: Coordination for CAPF deployment, curbing inducements, border vigilance.
-
Voter rolls finalized: No alterations during SIR; discrepancies under judicial review.
-
Earlier ECI inputs: CEO pushes for single-phase polls with adequate forces, max three phases assured.
Sources: SocialNews.XYZ, The Hans India