EC Establishes 'Lakshman Rekha' for Unprecedented Security in Bengal Polls
In a groundbreaking initiative to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful elections, the Election Commission (EC) has announced plans to create a rigorous 100-meter perimeter—dubbed a 'Lakshman Rekha'—around every polling booth in West Bengal. This boundary, marked distinctly with white chalk, will restrict entry exclusively to poll officials, security personnel, and voters assigned to that specific booth, effectively barring political party camps from the zone.
Strict Perimeter and Enhanced Verification Protocols
For the first time in Bengal's electoral history, a senior EC official confirmed that a 100-meter parameter will be delineated around each polling station. In cases where multiple booths share a premises, the boundary will encircle the entire premises. Only voters, polling officials, and security personnel responsible for the polling premises will be permitted inside this 'Lakshman Rekha'.
The EC has implemented a multi-layered verification system to combat impersonation and bogus voting. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and government officials will conduct initial document checks outside the perimeter. Voters will then undergo further scrutiny at two additional desks within the booth area, ensuring robust identity validation.
Comprehensive Measures for Election Integrity
Beyond the perimeter, the EC has tightened rules for voter slip distribution. BLOs are mandated to deliver slips door-to-door at least five days prior to polling, maintaining detailed records of voters who do not receive them and the reasons why. On election day, presiding officers will interrogate such voters, allowing voting only after verifying their identity against the electoral roll.
Additional safeguards include:
- A fresh layer of scrutiny for the Absentee, Shifted, and Dead (ASDD) list at booths to prevent ineligible individuals from casting votes.
- Deployment of micro observers inside booths, central forces, and state police personnel equipped with body cameras for enhanced monitoring.
- EC control over all government CCTVs in assembly constituencies for real-time surveillance.
Logistical and Security Enhancements
The EC has directed Kolkata and Howrah police to arrange adequate motorcycles for security forces, enabling them to navigate narrow lanes efficiently on polling day and respond promptly to complaints. This move aims to improve mobility and rapid response capabilities in dense urban areas.
Furthermore, the EC has addressed concerns regarding the misuse of civic volunteers. Following complaints from some districts about volunteers being deployed in camouflage resembling Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) uniforms, the EC has issued a stern warning. If proven, the civic volunteer will face job loss, and the appointing authority will be subject to disciplinary action, underscoring the commission's commitment to maintaining electoral decorum.
These comprehensive measures reflect the EC's proactive approach to ensuring a transparent and secure electoral process in West Bengal, setting a new standard for election management in the region.
