Kolkata
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to implement an ‘early action formula’ across four phases of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, aiming for peaceful and fair elections. A source within the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)’s office elaborated on this strategy, stating it would be multi-faceted.
Firstly, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will prevent unnecessary gatherings of political party supporters around polling stations from the beginning of polling, serving as a warning to potential troublemakers of stricter consequences for repeat offenses.
Secondly, there will be continuous monitoring of influential local politicians to prevent prolonged gatherings near polling stations, minimizing the risk of altercations and tension.
Thirdly, habitual troublemakers disregarding initial warnings will face temporary detention for the day, being released just before polling ends to ensure their voting rights are upheld, as per legal provisions allowing preventive detentions for up to 24 hours.
These measures were partially implemented in the third phase, particularly in troubled constituencies like Jangipur and Murshidabad. However, they will be extensively and rigorously enforced from the fourth phase onwards, according to sources within the CEO’s office.
