Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has assured that no eligible voter in West Bengal will have their name removed from the electoral rolls and that the upcoming elections in the state will be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. The assurance came during a visit by officials from the Election Commission of India to Kolkata, where they reviewed poll preparedness ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar emphasised the Commission’s commitment to protecting the voting rights of all eligible citizens and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. “No eligible voter’s name will be removed from the electoral roll. The Election Commission will ensure that the elections in West Bengal are conducted in a free and peaceful manner,” Kumar said.
The full bench of the Election Commission visited Kolkata as part of its preparations for the upcoming polls. During the visit, officials held meetings with representatives of various political parties, senior administrative officers and security agencies. Discussions focused on election preparedness, security arrangements, the revision of electoral rolls and measures to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. Officials also reviewed the proposed deployment of security forces, monitoring mechanisms at polling stations and other logistical arrangements necessary for conducting the elections smoothly.
Kumar stressed that law enforcement agencies must ensure that illegal inducements do not influence the electoral process. He said authorities must ensure that “cash, liquor, narcotics and contraband substances are kept out of the boundaries of Bengal” during the election period. Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to voter participation, he said, “Every eligible voter should be able to exercise their franchise. The Commission is committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls.”
Highlighting the state’s strong democratic participation, Kumar noted, “Democracy runs very deep in West Bengal. The voting percentage in the state has remained very high. Electors and the public at large respect the Constitution and believe in peaceful and participatory elections.” During the conference, Kumar also coined a Bengali slogan celebrating the state’s democratic spirit: “Chunao porbo, Pashchim Bongo’r gorbo”, meaning “Election time is the pride of Bengal.”
Representatives of political parties used the meeting to present their views and concerns regarding the conduct of the elections. Some parties raised issues related to the number of phases in which the polls should be conducted and the deployment of central security forces. Election Commission officials said they had taken note of the suggestions and would take appropriate decisions after reviewing all inputs.
Gyanesh Kumar said the Commission would work closely with state authorities and security agencies to prevent violence and intimidation during the electoral process. “The Commission appeals to all voters of the state to ensure that polling takes place in a violence-free and intimidation-free atmosphere,” he said. “The Election Commission will take all necessary steps to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.”
The Commission is expected to continue consultations with administrative officials and political stakeholders as preparations for the elections progress. The visit forms part of the Commission’s broader effort to assess the state’s readiness and ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly.
