The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed authorities in West Bengal to immediately withdraw state-provided security cover for political leaders and individuals facing criminal charges, as part of measures ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
In a fresh communication issued on Friday, the poll body asked West Bengal Police to submit a status report on the implementation of its earlier directive. Nodal officers appointed for the two-phase Assembly elections have been instructed to send the report, indicating progress on the ground.
Security cover to be removed irrespective of party lines
The ECI’s order makes it clear that the withdrawal of security cover will apply across political affiliations. Leaders who are out on bail or parole, those with pending criminal cases, or individuals with a history of criminal offences have been deemed ineligible for state protection.
The Commission had set a deadline of midnight Thursday for removing such security arrangements. It also flagged cases where individuals were allegedly enjoying unauthorised security cover despite not meeting official criteria, directing authorities to revoke these immediately.
Action on pending warrants, criminal cases
The poll panel has also asked state agencies to act on non-bailable warrants issued against such individuals. It stressed that these warrants must be executed within a reasonable timeframe.
At the same time, both the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police have been directed to expedite the disposal of pending poll-related criminal cases from previous elections.
Crackdown on absconders, sensitive areas identified
The sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) or the deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) have been asked to prepare a list of absconding criminals and launch special search operations to track them down. Local police station heads have also been instructed to identify areas prone to election-related violence and keep a close watch on known troublemakers and history-sheeters.
The Commission emphasised the need to ensure security for all political campaign activities, regardless of party, and to safeguard election officials during the poll process.
West Bengal Assembly election schedule
West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Voting in the first phase will cover 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 seats will go to polls in the second phase. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The ECI’s latest directive comes amid heightened focus on law and order, with the Commission pushing for stricter enforcement to ensure free and fair elections in the state.