The Election Commission has instructed District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Police Superintendents in West Bengal to visit violence-prone areas and submit detailed reports by April 16. They are also required to establish communication systems at polling stations. Officials are tasked with inspecting locations that experienced violence during past elections and ensuring communication systems are operational before the upcoming polls.
District Magistrates, accompanied by police officers, are mandated to visit these areas as part of the instructions. The Election Commission has also reinforced guidelines for polling personnel, emphasizing impartiality and prohibiting any political influence or gifts. Mock polls are now mandatory before voting, with a focus on checking EVMs and VVPATs before polling begins. Any voting irregularities must be promptly reported through designated channels.
Moreover, the Kolkata Police has directed all stations to execute pending arrest warrants promptly. The directive covers both bailable and non-bailable warrants, requiring police to either arrest the individuals or report the actions taken. The ongoing West Bengal Assembly polls are scheduled in two phases, with the first phase on April 23 and the second on April 29, followed by vote counting on May 4.
