Measures by Election Commission for Free and Fair polls in West Bengal

West Bengal is a very sensitive state. When elections are being held in such a state the responsibility of the Election Commission of India increases many folds to ensure that free and fair elections are held in the state.

Three phases of voting are already done in West Bengal for the ongoing Assembly Elections. Three more phases are still to go. Voting for 4th, 5th & 6th Phase of polling spread across 127 Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled to be held on 25th April, 30th April and 5th May 2016 respectively.

To ensure that elections are held in free and fair manner for the remaining three rounds of polling too the Election Commission has announced certain steps. People it appears were not happy with the way first three rounds of polling have gone by in the state.

Steps taken by the Election Commission:

The Election Commission has strongly reiterated that entire Election Machinery including police authorities shall curb violence at all cost and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in all the polling stations and areas falling under Assembly Constituencies in upcoming phases.

Prior to the poll day, as part of vulnerability mitigation strategy, confidence building measures are being undertaken by large number of Central Police forces which includes visits to the identified vulnerable habitations, contacting vulnerable people and also preventive measures like seizure of arms and weapons, execution of non-bailable warrants, binding down of history sheeters, anti-social elements by applying relevant legal provisions to ensure fear free environment.

The Commission has reiterated that each and every case of pre-poll, poll day and post-poll violence is being closely monitored and strict action would be taken against such perpetrators irrespective of their political affiliation.

The Commission has also directed the State Election Machinery and police authorities to deal with all such matters timely and effectively.

The Election Commission has also directed to hold the concerned officials in the areas of poll related violence accountable and also take strict action against such officials if they show any negligence in taking necessary preventive measures or post occurrence legal action in such cases.

People not happy with the Election Commission:

Election Commission of India failed in WB. U have foiled the spirit of Indian Constitution. U could nt help democracy even an inch.

— Subir De (@SubirDe2) April 11, 2016

The election commission of India & their security management https://t.co/z1ousy9YUx

— Nasrul Hoda (@nasrulhoda73) April 11, 2016

At d 1st.Face of W. Bengal Assembly Election, the Election Commission of India Failed to keep its Words to present Free and Fearless Voting.

— debabrata dutta (@siromannagar) April 13, 2016

Election Commission of India got 80% marks in Bihar,But failed in Bengal. Soil of Bengal is too hard than Bihar.

— Biswabanga (@Biswabanga1) April 11, 2016

So, when r we giving National Award for best acting to The Election Commission of India for the amazing performance during WB Elections?

— Srijak Bhaumik (@sribhaum) April 11, 2016