Kolkata, Feb 12 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to set up polling stations inside 78 large residential housing complexes in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming 18th Assembly elections.
Sources in the commission indicated that the complete list of these housing complexes will be published on February 25.
The decision comes amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state.
According to Commission sources, the revision exercise may lead to a significant reduction in the total number of voters, which could also result in a corresponding decline in the number of polling stations.
“We have identified 78 large housing complexes. The detailed list will be released on February 25. If the voter count comes down after revision, the number of booths will naturally reduce,” a Commission official said.
The ECI said the move was aimed at improving voter turnout, particularly among residents of large housing complexes who often skip voting due to the distance of polling stations.
The problem is more acute for senior citizens, officials said.
“Experience shows that when polling stations are far away, many voters do not turn up. Having booths within large housing complexes will make voting easier and more convenient,” an official added.
Earlier, the Commission had announced plans to set up polling stations in 69 housing complexes across seven districts, including Kolkata.
However, after a detailed survey the commission officials said the number had been increased to 78.
The district-wise break-up will be known after the final list is released.
The decision has triggered political reactions in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier written to the Election Commission expressing objections to the proposal.
However, the Commission clarified that such polling stations would be set up only in housing complexes with more than 300 registered voters.
Banerjee’s Assembly constituency, Bhabanipur, has several large housing complexes where the voter count exceeds this threshold, a factor that has reportedly been welcomed by the BJP leadership.
The proposal has drawn mixed responses from residents.
A resident of a housing complex in Behala West said the move could help increase voter turnout and would be particularly beneficial for senior citizens and working professionals.
