Kolkata, Mar 9 (UNI) The Election Commission of India on Monday assured political parties that it would adopt a “zero tolerance” approach towards violence in the upcoming elections in West Bengal, as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi held consultations with recognised national and state parties in Kolkata to review preparedness and address concerns about the electoral process.
The meeting, attended by the state’s Chief Electoral Officer and senior officials of the Commission, brought together representatives from national parties including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and National People’s Party, as well as state parties such as the All India Trinamool Congress and All India Forward Bloc.
During the discussions, political parties raised concerns about potential violence and intimidation of voters during the elections and urged the Commission to take stringent steps to ensure a peaceful polling process. Several leaders asked the Commission to deploy large numbers of central forces to maintain law and order and prevent the influence of money, muscle power and illegal weapons.
“They called upon the Commission to take stringent measures to curb the aggression of anti-social elements and ensure that there is no intimidation of voters during the forthcoming elections,” sources said after the meeting.
Parties also highlighted fears about the possible use of crude bombs and illegal firearms during the campaign period and on polling day — an issue that has historically been a concern in parts of the state’s electoral landscape. They urged the Commission to ensure adequate security arrangements and provide protection to every voter to guarantee a free and fair election.
Several parties also recommended that the elections be conducted in one or two phases, arguing that a shorter schedule would help maintain better control over law and order and reduce the possibility of violence.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Election Commissioner Kumar assured the political representatives that the Commission would strictly follow the law and take all necessary steps to ensure impartiality in the conduct of the polls.
“Elections in India are held as per law and the Election Commission will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring an impartial, transparent and a free and fair poll in West Bengal,” Kumar said, reiterating that the Commission was committed to “zero tolerance towards violence”.
The meeting also discussed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. According to officials, several political parties appreciated the scale of the revision exercise and expressed confidence in the Commission’s efforts.
Kumar said the revision had been carried out in a transparent manner and without bias. He also reminded stakeholders that the process remained open for corrections and updates. “Forms 6, 7 and 8 can still be filed for any inclusions, deletions or changes,” he said, referring to the forms used for voter registration and modifications in the electoral roll.
At the same time, political parties assured the Commission that they would cooperate fully to ensure that the upcoming polls in the state remain peaceful.
“The parties assured the Commission that they will fully cooperate in ensuring that the elections in West Bengal are free of violence,” officials said.
According to sources present at the meeting, there was a brief moment of tension during the interaction when a leader from the Trinamool Congress spoke in a raised voice while presenting concerns. The Chief Election Commissioner intervened and advised her to lower her tone and place her suggestions in a constructive manner.
On another issue raised during the discussion, the Commission informed participants that the matter was currently sub judice and therefore it would not comment on it at this stage.
The consultation is part of the Commission’s ongoing engagement with political stakeholders ahead of major elections, aimed at addressing concerns over electoral rolls, security arrangements and the broader conduct of the democratic process in the state.
