The Election Commission of India has proposed increasing the number of polling stations in Kapurthala district from 791 to 805 as part of a rationalisation exercise under the Special Intensive Revision campaign. The plan includes the establishment of 14 new polling booths to enhance voter convenience and streamline election management.
Rationalisation Based on Voter Numbers
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Akash Bansal explained that the rationalisation follows Election Commission guidelines, which mandate reorganising polling stations with more than 1,200 electors. This can be done by creating additional polling booths or redistributing voters within the same building, wherever feasible. The goal is to ensure better management and greater convenience for voters during elections.
The proposal will now be sent to the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, for final approval.
Breakdown by Assembly Constituency
In the Bhulath Assembly constituency, no new polling booth has been proposed because none of the existing 175 stations exceed the 1,200-elector threshold. Therefore, the number remains unchanged at 175.
In the Kapurthala Assembly constituency, seven polling stations had more than 1,200 electors. Voters were redistributed within the same buildings to rationalise these stations. Additionally, Polling Station No. 31 was split into two, resulting in one new polling booth. This increases the total from 194 to 195.
The Sultanpur Lodhi Assembly constituency will see the highest increase, with 13 new polling booths proposed. This raises the total from 195 to 208.
In the Phagwara (SC) Assembly constituency, four polling stations exceeded the 1,200-elector limit. However, voter redistribution within the same buildings was sufficient, so no additional booths were proposed. The total remains 227.
Consultation with Political Parties
Earlier, Assistant Commissioner Ravinder Singh Arora held a meeting with representatives of political parties to discuss the proposed rationalisation. The representatives were briefed on the exercise and invited to submit their suggestions.
The District Election Officer urged political parties to extend full cooperation to ensure the electoral process remains free, fair, transparent, and voter-friendly. He also appealed to the public to contact the Voter Helpline at 1950 or the District Administration Helpline at 01822-233777 for any election-related information or assistance.
