A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met with the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Kolkata on Monday, presenting a series of demands aimed at shaping the conduct of the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The party strongly urged that the polling be restricted to a maximum of three phases, a significant reduction from previous multi-phase schedules, and called for enhanced security measures to prevent violence during the electoral process.
Key Demands for a Streamlined Election
The BJP submitted a detailed 16-point charter of demands, highlighting critical concerns over the security environment in West Bengal ahead of the polls. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, engaged with delegations from recognized national and state parties to gather their inputs and address issues related to election management.
Phasing and Duration of Polls
BJP leader Jagannath Chattopadhyay, part of the three-member delegation, emphasized the party's stance on limiting the election phases. "We demanded a one, two or three-phase election, but not more," he stated, arguing against the need for extended seven or eight-phase schedules that have been used in the past. The BJP believes a shorter election duration would reduce opportunities for electoral malpractices and enhance voter confidence.
Security and Deployment of Central Forces
A major point of contention raised by the BJP involves the deployment and utilization of approximately 400 companies of central forces currently stationed in West Bengal. Chattopadhyay criticized the state police's role in directing these forces, alleging that existing confidence-building measures are insufficient to reassure voters. "We are dissatisfied with the way the state police is utilising the central forces. If a violence-free and fearless environment is to be created, the Commission must take action against state police and government officials who prevent voters from casting their own ballots," a party leader asserted.
Allegations of Misguided Route Marches
Further accusations were made regarding the conduct of route marches by security forces. BJP leader Shishir Bajoria, also part of the delegation, claimed that these marches are being deliberately held in peaceful areas rather than sensitive zones. "I saw with my own eyes that route marches are taking place in completely peaceful areas. They are being conducted on main roads where no people live—only vehicles pass. This is how the state police is forcing the central forces to operate," he said, adding that this practice violates ECI norms intended for sensitive locations and large residential complexes.
Redefining Sensitive Polling Booths
In addition to phasing and security concerns, the BJP proposed a revision of the criteria for identifying "sensitive" polling booths. The party suggested that any booth recording more than 85 percent voter turnout or with a documented history of violence during or after previous elections should automatically be classified as sensitive. This classification would mandate additional protection measures to safeguard the electoral process and ensure free and fair voting.
Call for Commission Action
The BJP's demands underscore a broader call for the Election Commission to take proactive steps in overseeing the election environment in West Bengal. By advocating for a condensed polling schedule and stricter security protocols, the party aims to address perceived vulnerabilities that could compromise the integrity of the 2026 Assembly elections. The meeting with the ECI full bench is part of ongoing consultations to incorporate feedback from political parties and enhance electoral transparency and safety.
