Kolkata, March 10 – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Tuesday that the Election Commission of India (ECI) will make the final decision on the number of phases in the West Bengal Assembly elections, depending on the law and order preparedness at the ground level in the state.
"The ECI's full bench reviewed the law and order situation in West Bengal over the past two days. All stakeholders have assured the ECI that the elections will be peaceful, free from fear, and free from violence. The final decision on the number of phases will depend on the law and order preparedness at the ground level in the state," Kumar said.
He also said that the ECI's full bench, during its review visit to West Bengal over the past two days, had instructed the state administration to strictly enforce the rule of law and operate without fear or favour.
"It is necessary for the officers to conduct themselves in a non-partisan manner, and we have made this very clear during our interactions with officers at all levels over the past two days," the CEC said.
He said that the ECI has zero tolerance for poll-related violence, whether before, during, or after the elections.
"The Commission has decided to take strong action against anyone involved in this matter," the CEC said.
Responding to queries about the allegations that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has caused inconvenience to voters, the CEC said that SIR is a national practice that is carried out after a specific period in all states.
"The exercise has been conducted in a fair manner with the active participation of officers at all levels. The ongoing judicial proceedings of the voters identified under the logical discrepancy category are taking place as per the instructions of the Supreme Court and under the supervision of the Calcutta High Court," the CEC added.
He also said that the main aim of the SIR has been that no genuine voter will be excluded and no bogus voter will remain included.
Speaking on the occasion, he also said that there will be 100 per cent webcasting in all the polling booths.