ELECTION COMMISSION
West Bengal polls: ECI flags 55 seats as 'expenditure sensitive'
West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.
West Bengal polls: PM misusing govt machinery for political campaigns, says Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing government machinery for political campaigns. She stated that Modi's address regarding the women's quota bill constituted an illegal campaign for the BJP. Banerjee plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission. She questioned the delay in implementing the women's reservation bill passed in September 2023.
Political Parties to remove fake content on social media platforms within 3 hours of coming to their notice: ECI
The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01% resolution rate within 100 minutes.
Voter roll deletions shift West Bengal polls from governance to identity battle
West Bengal's election focus has dramatically shifted. Massive deletions from electoral rolls have transformed the campaign. Issues of corruption and jobs now take a backseat. The election is now a battle over identity and citizenship. Voters are concerned about their names being removed from the voter list. This has created anxiety and polarization across the state.
West Bengal: Election Commission adds around 7 lakh new voters ahead of polls
West Bengal's electoral rolls have seen a significant addition of seven lakh new voters. These new electors will participate in the upcoming assembly polls. Over 3.22 lakh will vote in the first phase, with the remaining nearly 3.88 lakh in the second phase. The total electorate now stands at over 6.82 crore.
Only voters allowed within 100 metres of polling stations in Bengal: Election Commission
In West Bengal, the Election Commission is committed to maintaining a serene and unobstructed voting experience. They'll establish a 100-meter buffer zone around polling stations to control access. A thorough verification process is in place to eliminate fraudulent votes, with voter slips being personally delivered to every household.
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Sonia Gandhi's electoral list matter: Court asks counsel to file written submissions within a week
A Delhi court is hearing a revision petition challenging a magistrate's order refusing to register an FIR against Sonia Gandhi. The complainant alleges Gandhi was included in the electoral roll in 1980 without being an Indian citizen, becoming one only in 1983. The court has asked for written submissions and listed the matter for May 16.
Calcutta High Court quashes appointment of assistant professors as poll presiding officers in Bengal
The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.
ECI rolls out ‘Democracy Express’ in Darjeeling to drive voter awareness
The Election Commission of India organised a voter awareness campaign in North Bengal. The iconic Darjeeling toy train was used to encourage participation in elections. A 'Democracy Express' also traveled through Darjeeling, spreading messages of peaceful and fair elections. Cultural programs and a walkathon were part of the outreach. First-time voters were honored.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses Nirmala Sitharaman of breaking MCC
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing cards to women before elections. Banerjee alleged that the BJP is misusing power and agencies to threaten voters and collect data, warning that women will be robbed of their bank account information and money.
Tipra Motha sweeps Tripura tribal council elections, wins 20 of 28 seats
The Pradyot Debbarma-led Tipra Motha Party has achieved a significant win in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections. The party secured 20 out of 28 seats, demonstrating its strong influence among the tribal community. This marks the second consecutive triumph for the party. The BJP won three seats.
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.
Voters cleared by tribunals up to 2 days before polls can vote: SC
The Supreme Court has ruled that voters in West Bengal cleared by appellate tribunals at least two days before polling will be eligible to vote in the upcoming Assembly elections. The court directed the Election Commission to issue supplementary electoral rolls by April 21 and April 27, ensuring these orders are implemented.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026: SC dismisses plea against EC move to transfer chief secretary, DGP, others
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission of India's orders to transfer senior police officers and bureaucrats in West Bengal. The court noted that such transfers are common. While acknowledging the legal issue of consultation, the bench declined to intervene in the current matter. The Calcutta High Court had previously refused to interfere with the transfers.
Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging transfer of officers by EC in poll-bound West Bengal
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's transfer of administrative and police officers in West Bengal. The court stated that the legal question raised remains open. This decision comes as West Bengal prepares for assembly elections. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4.
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.
Polls for nine Maharashtra Legislative Council seats scheduled for May 12: EC
Elections for nine Maharashtra Legislative Council seats are scheduled for May 12, as announced by the Election Commission of India. The tenure of these nine MLCs concludes on May 13, 2026, prompting the need for these biennial elections. The notification will be issued on April 23, with nominations closing on April 30.
Central forces tried to check my car, says Mamata
Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces attempted to search her car near Kolkata airport and accused Union leaders of misusing security vehicles, questioning why only Trinamool leaders were being targeted during checks. The Election Commission denied any such VVIP search, while Banerjee also accused the BJP and central agencies of harassment ahead of elections, urging voters to respond politically.
EC to deploy 2,407 central forces for first phase of Bengal elections on April 23
Central armed police forces will secure the first phase of West Bengal assembly polls on April 23. Over 2,400 companies will be deployed. Murshidabad district will receive the highest number of personnel. Purba Medinipur district follows with significant deployment. Security measures aim for free and fair elections across eight north Bengal districts and other western regions.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026: 2,926 candidates in fray for Bengal polls
A total of 2,926 candidates are now set to contest the West Bengal assembly elections. This number was finalized after the nomination withdrawal deadline passed. The Election Commission has confirmed the final list. Voters can access candidate details via the ECINet app. Ballot units will feature candidate photographs for easier identification. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
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.
SC notice to Centre, EC on plea to implement finger, iris biometric system at polling stations
The Supreme Court will examine a plea for biometric identification at polling stations. This system aims to prevent duplicate voting and ensure electoral integrity. The court will consider its implementation for future parliamentary and state assembly elections. Responses have been sought from the Centre, the Election Commission, and several states.
Election Commission appoints Odisha-cadre IPS officer as police observer for West Bengal polls
The Election Commission has appointed IPS officer Sarvana Vivek M as police observer for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. He will oversee police arrangements for the two-phase polls. Vivek, from the Odisha cadre, will be on deputation to the EC.
EC transfers 12 police officials in poll-bound West Bengal
The Election Commission of India has ordered a major reshuffle of police leadership in poll-bound West Bengal, transferring 12 senior officers across Kolkata Police and the state police. Key changes include new appointments to Joint Commissioner roles in crime, headquarters and intelligence, along with the replacement of Deputy Commissioners in multiple city divisions.
Election Commission trims electoral rolls by 10.2% across 12 states, UTs
The Election Commission has significantly cleaned up voter lists. Over 60 lakh deceased voters were removed from nine states and three Union territories. This exercise reduced the voter base by 10.2 percent. Final rolls for Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are now published. Further revisions are planned for other states and Union territories.
Tamil Nadu Polls: EPS backs Election Commission officer transfers, says move ensures fairness
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami supported the Election Commission's decision to transfer top officials in Tamil Nadu. He stated the move was necessary for fair elections. Palaniswami questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin's objection to the transfers. He mentioned that officials had been with the DMK government for a long time.
WB 2026 assembly elections: Election Commission plans AI to flag booth jamming, irregularities in Bengal
The Election Commission of India is set to deploy an AI-based surveillance system in West Bengal's assembly elections to detect and flag booth jamming and other irregularities. This initiative aims to ensure immediate action against voter intimidation and promote violence-free polls. The system will monitor activities inside and outside polling booths, assisting observers and officials in maintaining order.
War of words erupts between TMC and Election Commission after brief, tense meeting
A meeting between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission concluded on a sour note. TMC leaders alleged the Chief Election Commissioner told them to 'get lost'. The Election Commission countered by stating TMC leaders were shouting. The poll panel assured that elections in West Bengal will be conducted without fear or violence.
We will move court again to resist voter deletions: Mamata
Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission. She alleges that nearly 91 lakh voters were removed from electoral rolls in West Bengal. Banerjee stated her party will go to court to protest these deletions. She accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the rolls and the Election Commission of intimidation.
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