Election Commission Questions West Bengal Officials Over Delayed High-Rise Polling Booth Proposals

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed opposition to establishing polling booths within high-rise buildings. (File)

The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer is facing criticism for failing to submit proposals for new polling booths in high-rise buildings ahead of next year's Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India has inquired about the delay in identifying suitable high-rise towers for polling booth setup, despite having requested this information twice. The poll body views this matter with significant concern.

In their correspondence to the CEO, the Election Commission stated: "No proposal of polling stations has been received in the Commission from your office so far. The Commission has taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of District Electoral Officers (DEOs) in performance of their statutory duty as given under Section 25 of the Representation of People's Act, 1951 read with Section 160 of the said Act. The DEOs are also liable under the said provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the above specified residential colonies."

The Representation of the People Act clearly outlines the responsibilities of District Magistrates. Consequently, if necessary polling booths are not established, the District Election Officers (DEOs) will bear responsibility.

West Bengal is currently undergoing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. The draft voter list is scheduled for release on December 9, with publication on December 16, and the final list will be published on February 14. The draft list will be organized according to the state's Assembly constituencies.

Following the publication of this list, a new survey must be conducted regarding potential booth locations in multi-storey buildings, group housing societies, Resident Welfare Association (RWA) colonies, slums, and gated communities.

According to Election Commission guidelines, areas with 250 houses or 500 voters require a survey, and proposals for establishing polling stations must be submitted by December 31.

"All DEOs must strictly follow this directive," stated the letter from the Election Commission.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced opposition to establishing polling booths within private housing complexes. She argues that such locations compromise electoral fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between residents and the general public.

Banerjee emphasized that polling stations have traditionally been located in government or semi-government institutions to ensure accessibility and neutrality.

"Why is such a move being contemplated at all? Again, is this being done under pressure from a political party to advance their partisan interests?" she questioned.

She claimed that implementing such changes would severely impact the fairness of the electoral process.