Kolkata, Mar 18 (UNI) In an effort to conduct ‘violence and threat free’ assembly polls in the state, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has drawn up a preliminary plan to deploy around 2,500 companies of central forces in each phase of polling.
In a high-level meeting between senior Election Commission officials and top state administration authorities, the proposed deployment strategy was discussed on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on assessing district-wise requirements, identifying sensitive locations, and determining the overall strength of forces needed to ensure free and fair elections.
Senior state police officers including Director General of Police Siddhanath Gupta and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda were present in the meeting.
According to sources in the CEO office, the number of sensitive booths across districts has increased significantly, raising concerns within the Commission. This has prompted the decision to scale up the deployment of central forces.
During the discussions, a comprehensive review of the law-and-order situation in each district was carried out.
“There were detailed discussions on the bordering areas and polling booths with a history of violence or unrest. These locations have been identified for additional deployment to prevent any untoward incidents,” a senior official at the CEO office said.
The Commission has made it clear that no risks will be taken and that ensuring voter safety remains its top priority.
Various security strategies, including route marches by central forces, the formation of Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and static deployment at critical locations, were also deliberated upon.
Officials believe that such stringent measures will help ensure a more peaceful and transparent polling process.
In addition to security arrangements, the Commission is also focusing on strengthening its grievance redressal mechanism.
Sources said that during elections, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office typically receives between 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh complaints, including violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
To expedite the disposal of these complaints, the Commission has decided to appoint officers of secretary-level rank and set up a dedicated complaint cell.
Initially, nine officers will be deployed, including six micro-observers.
The CEO’s office is also expected to seek the services of three to four officers from the state secretariat, Nabanna. Efforts will be made to resolve complaints within eight hours of receipt.
Meanwhile, the Commission has also taken note of around 20,000 voter ID cards that have been returned undelivered despite three attempts by postal authorities.
The CEO’s office will now conduct a detailed verification of these cases.
The returned voter cards will be segregated booth-wise and sent to district election officers for on-ground inquiry to determine why the recipients did not accept them.
Officials said these measures are part of a broader effort to plug gaps in the electoral process and ensure maximum participation as well as transparency in the upcoming polls.
