The Chief Election Commissioner is also expected to hold a review meeting with election and district officials regarding the implementation of the SIR exercise and the preparedness of polling infrastructure in the region.
The Election Commission of India has instructed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, and senior officials of the Central Armed Police Forces to enforce continuous patrolling across the state.
Authorities are on guard against any law-and-order issues, with the CEO indicating that restrictions around counting centres could be tightened further if needed. Meetings with Observers, District Election Officers and Returning Officers are being held to coordinate the final phase of preparations.
In a message underscoring preparedness, the poll body said counting arrangements have been completed at key centres. Visuals shared by ECI showed fortified counting venues, regulated entry points and systematic arrangements, reflecting a nationwide exercise operating at scale.
The Election Commission of India has intensified its crackdown in West Bengal as part of its drive to ensure free and fair elections, suspending five police officers in the Diamond Harbour district and ordering disciplinary proceedings over "serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality" during the ongoing 2026 Assembly elections.
The incident took place at the BDO office in the Kaliachowk area of Malda district, where judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were surrounded by a group described as anti-social elements.
The warning comes after two back-to-back incidents in central Kolkata: violent clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and TMC workers in front of the CEO’s office, followed by an overnight protest staged by TMC supporters.
TMC supremo alleged that BJP workers were submitting large numbers of Form 6 applications, used for new voter registration, to allegedly include “outsiders” in the state’s electoral rolls.
Key changes have been made in the politically significant Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district. The constituency is currently represented by Suvendu Adhikari, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.
The Commission reviewed overall preparedness, law and order, and measures to curb electoral malpractices, while directing all stakeholders to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free polls.
