ECI DIRECTIVES
SIR in West Bengal: Will call for report from chief justice of HC today itself, says SC
The Supreme Court will seek a report from the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice regarding the functioning of appellate tribunals for West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision exercise. Lawyers allege these tribunals are not working, hindering the process. The court previously directed the Election Commission to issue supplementary revised electoral rolls based on tribunal decisions.
ET Graphics: Bengal picture abhi bhi baaki hai; SIR’s changing playbook
India's Election Commission is revising voter lists, removing over 5.98 crore names. The process, starting in Bihar, has changed significantly. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are now undergoing revisions. West Bengal's revision faced legal challenges, leading to mass deletions and judicial oversight. The exercise aims to ensure accurate voter rolls.
EC gives deadline to West Bengal to withdraw excess security for poll deployment
The Election Commission has ordered West Bengal to withdraw excess security from private individuals by Friday evening. This move aims to free up state police personnel for crucial booth-level election duties. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the decision, alleging selective targeting of Trinamool Congress leaders. The state is preparing for polling on April 23 and 29.
From bamboo walls to AI eyes: West Bengal election gets unprecedented surveillance push
The Election Commission of India is enhancing surveillance for the West Bengal Assembly polls by installing cameras for 100% webcasting, monitored by AI technology. Temporary bamboo fencing will also be erected at polling stations lacking boundary walls to prevent unauthorized access and improve security.
Can't let those with appeals pending to vote: Apex Court
The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals with pending appeals against their exclusion from the voter list cannot participate in the upcoming West Bengal elections. Over 34 lakh appeals are currently being heard. The court emphasized that allowing these voters would be meaningless. Those whose appeals are resolved by April 9 will be included.
Siddaramaiah sees red on EC letter, accuses poll body of bias against Congress
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized the Election Commission. He called the EC's demand for details on guarantee scheme funds 'selective' and 'biased'. Siddaramaiah stated the schemes are ongoing commitments, not election inducements. He accused the BJP of double standards regarding welfare programs. The Chief Minister asserted his government will continue delivering on its promises to Kannadigas.
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Now out in open: Arvind Kejriwal slams ECI's 'straight-talk' to TMC, repeats claim of poll body 'working under BJP'
These remarks come in the backdrop of ECI's recent 'X' post, following a meeting with the TMC's delegation, which stated that they have been given an "ultimatum" for fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free, raid-free, and source-jamming-free elections in West Bengal.
West Bengal Elections: Tribunal includes Md Motakkin Alam in Malda electoral roll
An appellate tribunal has ordered the Election Commission of India to add Congress candidate Md Motakkin Alam to the electoral list. This decision comes as electoral rolls are set to freeze for the first phase of the Bengal polls. The tribunal's ruling impacts the inclusion of voters. Many people faced chaos while submitting appeals before the deadline.
Supreme Court retains central forces in West Bengal, asks Calcutta HC to form 3-judge panel For SIR tribunals
Central forces will stay in West Bengal. The Supreme Court made this decision due to recent events. A three-judge panel will be formed by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice. This panel will set procedures for tribunals hearing appeals against voter deletions. The aim is to speed up the disposal of these appeals.
Bengal Poll: Congress candidate gets relief as tribunal orders roll inclusion
A significant ruling by the appellate tribunal in Bengal has reinstated Congress candidate Motab Sheikh to the electoral roll for the Farakka constituency. This historic decision, delivered on a Sunday, marks the tribunal's first judgment. Meanwhile, the West Bengal CEO is touring districts to ensure a secure and fair election process for all voters.
Mamata Banerjee urges women to stay alert, resist intimidation ahead of Bengal polls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called on women to be prepared with broomsticks to counter any disruptions during the upcoming assembly elections. She warned voters about potential body frisking by the Central Armed Police Force. Banerjee also alleged that outsiders were present at a nomination rally and that her party's posters were damaged.
ECI orders suspension of 4 Bengal cops over “law & order failure during the roadshow and nomination”
The Election Commission of India has ordered the suspension of four police officials in West Bengal. This action follows a law and order failure during a roadshow in Bhabanipur. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against them. Separately, a primary school teacher was suspended for preparing campaign materials. The NIA is also continuing its probe into related events.
Law & order of poll-bound states under lens: EC suspends cops; NIA digs deeper
The Election Commission of India has suspended four police officials in West Bengal. This action follows alleged law and order failures during a roadshow and nomination event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The National Investigation Agency is also investigating a separate incident in Malda. The EC is expanding poll infrastructure to accommodate more voters across West Bengal.
Deleted voters race against deadline as offline appeal route falters in Kolkata
Voters in West Bengal are anxious as their names are removed from electoral rolls. Many cannot file tribunal appeals offline. Government holidays and election work hinder access to officials. This creates a challenge for those less comfortable with online processes. Time is running out for these voters to restore their voting rights before the deadline.
Mamata slams NIA over Malda gherao, alleges harassment of locals while culprits evade action
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges the NIA is targeting innocent locals in Malda. She states the real culprits behind the judicial officer gherao have escaped. Banerjee urged voters to approach tribunals for name re-inclusion in voter lists. She warned against provocations, accusing the BJP of instigating violence and using central agencies.
EC audits security preparedness to ensure free and fearless vote in Puducherry
Puducherry prepares for Assembly elections on April 9, 2026. The Election Commission has instructed officials to ensure a fair process. Over 9.48 lakh voters are registered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized opposition parties, stating they lack a vision for Puducherry's development and aim to control it for political gain. He highlighted the NDA's focus on progress for the Union Territory.
"Ensure free, fair and fearless polls in West Bengal": ECI instructs officials
The Election Commission of India has instructed senior officials in West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections. This directive follows an incident where judicial officers were held hostage. The Chief Election Commissioner has handed over the investigation of this incident to the NIA. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over the state authorities' inaction.
ECI directs Bengal DGP to review security cover for TMC leaders
The Election Commission of India is actively reviewing the assignment of over 2,000 police officers to safeguard Trinamool Congress figures and their supporters. A quick reassessment has been mandated for the West Bengal Director General of Police. This action follows a prior call to revoke security for politicians under scrutiny.
Paid leave on polling days for all workers, including daily wage & casual staff: Election Commission
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced that all employees, including daily wage and casual workers, will be entitled to a paid holiday on polling days for the upcoming General Elections and bye-elections this month.
Supreme Court raps Bengal over SIR officers' gherao, orders central cover
Judicial officers faced a nine-hour ordeal in a Malda village. The Supreme Court strongly condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate attempt to disrupt duties. The court directed the deployment of central armed forces for officer safety. A probe by central agencies has been ordered.
Malda gherao case handed to NIA; CEC pulls up Bengal police over delay
The Chief Election Commissioner has handed the Malda case to the NIA. An NIA team will arrive in West Bengal soon. The CEC stressed that violence will not be tolerated. A preliminary report is to be submitted to the High Court. Eighteen people have been arrested so far. Judicial officers were held for over ten hours.
West Bengal Malda incident: Judicial officers gheraoed for hours, ECI seeks DGP report
During a chaotic scene in Kaliachak, Malda, judicial officers endured a lengthy nine-hour siege by irate voters protesting the removal of names from electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India has swiftly demanded a detailed report from the West Bengal Police's Director General.
Tribunals can accept fresh documents in SIR appeals after authenticity check: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has permitted appellate tribunals in West Bengal to accept new evidence from individuals removed from voter lists. These documents must be verified for authenticity. The Election Commission of India has notified 19 appellate tribunals. Judicial officers are adjudicating claims and objections, with pending matters expected to be cleared by April 7.
TMC claims mass voter additions, flags 'demographic change' in Bengal
Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged the Election Commission of India is changing West Bengal's demography. He claimed the BJP submitted over 30,000 Form 6s illegally in one day. Banerjee stated this is part of a BJP strategy to add voters from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar while deleting existing voters. He demanded CCTV footage of the submissions.
West Bengal Polls: ECI transfers 184 OCs, 83 BDOs to curb violence
The Election Commission of India has undertaken a major reshuffle of 184 police officers and 83 Block Development Officers across West Bengal. This move aims to ensure violence-free and transparent assembly polls. Key police stations in violence-prone areas and sensitive constituencies have seen new postings. The commission is also reviewing actions taken against officers for past poll violence.
Form double-engine govt in Bengal: BJP candidate Krishna Kant Saha appeals to locals in Birbhum
Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Krishna Kant Saha visited Sainthia's fish market in Birbhum. He listened to people's concerns regarding water supply. The West Bengal Assembly Polls are approaching. The Election Commission has implemented measures for real-time monitoring. Voting will occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
EC releases third supplementary voter list in West Bengal
The Election Commission released the third supplementary voter list for West Bengal under the Special Intensive Revision, but did not disclose details on additions or deletions. The list includes voters under adjudication and follows earlier supplementary lists released this week.
Police action on EC orders on BJP seal issue shows intolerance towards criticism: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Election Commission. He stated the EC's order to police regarding social media news is intolerance towards criticism. Vijayan called the BJP seal on an EC document unbelievable. The Chief Electoral Officer is investigating the matter. The Election Commission stated it was a clerical error and the official responsible was suspended.
Kerala police book social media platform X, user over 'defamatory' AI video on Prime Minister, ECI
Kerala Police have filed a case against social media platform X Corp and a user. This action follows the circulation of an AI-generated video. The video allegedly misrepresented the Prime Minister and the Election Commission of India. Police stated the content could mislead the public and harm fair elections.
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