West Bengal polls: 3 days before polling, EC tough talk on voter intimidation

KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday warned Kolkata and state police that any attempt to disrupt voting or obstruct electors would invite "immediate unprecedented consequences", emphasising that "none will be spared".

EC sources said a stern message was given to CP Kolkata — along with DCPs and SPs, OCs and ICs — that if any explosives are found within the jurisdiction of a police station or if someone employs intimidation tactics, the OC or IC concerned has to act instantly, keeping in mind the possible consequences.



"All possible materials used for threatening shall be seized forthwith. All possible action must be taken within 24 hours in all such cases," said a police official who attended a high-level meeting on Sunday.

The ECI directive was communicated during a high-level coordination meeting held at Kolkata's Dhanadhanya Auditorium in Alipore, attended by poll civil and police sector officials, senior police officers, and commanders of central forces from three election districts under Kolkata.

Among the top officials who attended this meeting were Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nanda, district election officers of Kolkata Uttar, Kolkata Dakshin and South 24 Parganas, returning officers, general and police observers, special observer Subrata Gupta and special police observer N K Mishra.

"As part of the plan, 160 motorcycles carrying two CAPF personnel each will patrol localities across the constituencies for quick deployment. The focus is on force deployment, vulnerability mapping, communication between civil and police administration, and ensuring a visible security presence in every area," the official said.

"All arrangements were discussed, and meetings were held with QRT officers, CAPF officers and senior officials. Everyone was briefed on the dos and don'ts and police action. Additional arrangements have been made for Bhangar. We have deployed a BDDS team, sniffer dogs and additional forces from the Kolkata Police Reserve. Blockades have been put in place. Our effort is to create an environment where people can vote freely and fairly... Motorcycle patrols will be deployed in the narrow streets..." said Nanda.

Nanda said a specific outline was prepared on the role of the Central Reserve Police Force and on handling disturbances. He said a "Police Arrangement Booklet" containing security-related information and instructions was distributed to police personnel and officers to avoid confusion on polling day.

On the EC's restrictions on bike rallies, Nanda said the directions of Calcutta High Court would be followed. The court overturned the bike ban order 72 hours before the elections.

Meanwhile, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who visited Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas, held a meeting with representatives of various political parties and urged them to encourage voters to participate freely.

"We have requested everyone to ensure peaceful and normal voting. Bogus voting or booth capturing will not be allowed. People must be able to exercise their democratic right without fear. Anyone trying to prevent that will face action," Agarwal said. CCTV cameras would be installed at every polling station, central forces would remain deployed at booths, and unauthorised persons would not be allowed within 100 metres of polling premises, he said. ECI also completed reviewing the poll preparedness in 142 constituencies that would go to polls on April 29 through this meeting.
Get real-time updates and result insights on the MSBSHSE HSC Result 2026 and CBSE 12th Result 2026