Kolkata, April 4: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has approved the establishment of 4,660 new auxiliary polling stations in West Bengal. This decision aims to enhance voter convenience, particularly in areas where the number of voters at a single polling station exceeds 1,200.
Additionally, the Commission has permitted the relocation of 321 existing polling stations to better serve voters. With these changes, the total number of polling stations in West Bengal, including the new auxiliary ones, has now risen to 85,379.
The Election Commission has laid down crucial conditions for the implementation of this proposal. It has mandated strict adherence to the guidelines outlined in Paragraph 4.2.2 of the ‘Polling Stations Rules, 2020’ during the establishment of the auxiliary polling stations. Furthermore, it is essential that every voter at the relocated polling stations is informed personally about the changes.
The Commission also emphasized the need for widespread dissemination of information regarding the construction of new auxiliary polling stations and the relocation of existing ones in the respective areas. All recognized political parties must be notified in writing about these developments.
Officials involved in this process are required to be informed promptly to ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and transparently. This initiative is aimed at alleviating long queues and facilitating easier access for voters to exercise their electoral rights.
The West Bengal assembly elections will be held in two phases, with voting for 152 seats scheduled for April 23 and for 142 seats on April 29. The results are set to be announced on May 4.