Siliguri, April 20 (UNI) Holding a series of meetings with political leaders, administrative officials and police authorities, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal on Monday reviewed poll preparedness in Malda district ahead of the April 23 first phase Assembly elections covering 152 seats.
It may be noted that Malda district is considered highly sensitive, particularly in the wake of the SIR process during which judicial officials were confined and allegedly attacked by locals in Mothabari. The district comprises 12 Assembly constituencies.
During his visit, the CEO also inspected the district control room and assessed the overall law-and-order arrangements.
Addressing mediapersons, Agarwal said the primary objective of the meetings was to engage directly with representatives of political parties, understand their grievances and suggestions, and apprise them of the measures being put in place by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls.
He urged all political stakeholders to cooperate, cautioning that constituencies reporting a high number of complaints could face repolling.
On security arrangements, Agarwal said only central forces would be deployed within a 100-metre radius of polling stations, and no individual would be allowed entry without valid documents. State police personnel will remain outside polling booths to maintain law and order. He also clarified that civic volunteers will not be engaged in election duties.
Issuing a stern warning, the CEO said strict action would be taken against any Block Development Officer, officer-in-charge of police stations, or other officials found violating norms. “No one is above the law,” he asserted.
On migrant voters, he said those whose names are on the electoral roll will be allowed to vote, but no proxy voting will be permitted if they are absent.
Referring to cases pending before tribunals, Agarwal said in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court of India, names approved by tribunals will be incorporated in the revised electoral roll to be published on April 22.
Responding to reports of irregularities in postal ballot voting from several districts, he said the matter is under review and necessary steps are being taken to streamline the process.
After inspecting the control room, the CEC said the entire election process would be closely monitored at the district level, the CEO’s office, and across all Assembly constituencies. Officials on duty have been placed on high alert and instructed to submit regular reports on action taken. Any negligence will invite immediate disciplinary action, he added. UNI MBN SSP
