EC enforces 100 m ‘voter-only zone’ at polling booths; orders crackdown on offenders

Election Commission steps up measures to ensure orderly polling in West Bengal

MP, April 19, 2026, Kolkata: The Election Commission of India has decided to mark a 100-metre perimeter around booths in Bengal with a prominent chalk-like mark restricting entry to voters only, as one of the measures to ensure free and peaceful polling in the West Bengal Assembly election, which will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, respectively.

At a marathon virtual meeting on Saturday with the district electoral officers (DEOs), officers-in-charge and senior officials of the state and Kolkata Police, state Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal directed them to act swiftly against potential law and order threats.

According to sources, the Chief Electoral Officer asked for immediate execution of all pending non-bailable warrants. The CEO has categorically stated that known offenders must not be allowed to remain at large ahead of polling.

The Commission also authorised police to use “necessary force” if clashes between rival political groups threaten to escalate, signalling a tougher stance on pre-poll violence.

To address logistical challenges in congested urban pockets, especially in Kolkata and adjoining areas, the poll body has asked police stations to deploy dedicated motorbike units for quick response. Many polling booths are located in narrow lanes where larger vehicles cannot reach quickly, often delaying intervention during disturbances.

Officials were told to keep such units ready at every police station. The Commission indicated it would arrange additional motorcycles if required, but made it clear that infrastructure gaps would not be accepted as a reason for inaction.

On the procedural front, booth-level officers (BLOs) have been instructed to distribute voter slips door-to-door and maintain records of undelivered slips, along with reasons. The record of such undelivered slips will be available with the presiding officer.

Voters who turn up without having such slips may be asked to explain their absence during distribution, with presiding officers verifying their identity through electoral rolls and accordingly allowing the concerned elector to cast a franchise.

At polling stations, further checks are planned to prevent impersonation. Lists of absentee, shifted, and deceased voters may be re-verified.

Technology-backed monitoring will also be stepped up. Micro-observers and security personnel are to be equipped with body cameras, while the Commission is set to access CCTV feeds across Assembly segments to track suspicious activity.