Residents of numerous housing complexes in Kolkata are expressing frustration and a sense of being used as political pawns. This follows a direct conflict between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal state government over a plan to set up polling stations inside gated residential premises.
The Conflicting Directives: EC Push vs State Caution
The Election Commission of India began its outreach to housing societies on November 19. The poll panel is specifically targeting high-rises with 500 or more voters, requesting permission to use community halls or common areas as polling stations. Societies have been given a deadline of December 6 to respond, with the possibility of later consideration after field inspections.
This initiative is modelled on a successful pilot project in Delhi, which reportedly increased voter turnout by 5%. However, the plan has run into strong political headwinds in Kolkata. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been actively advising housing societies against agreeing to the EC's request.
Residents Voice Their Dilemma and Security Fears
The situation has left Resident Welfare Association (RWA) members feeling trapped between two powerful authorities. "Why should we be caught in a political crossfire?" asked an office bearer from a Kankurgachhi housing complex, capturing the widespread sentiment.
The residents' unease intensified after a meeting at the Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra on Wednesday evening, attended by representatives from around 150 housing complexes. During the event, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim called Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and put her on speakerphone. Residents reported that the CM, speaking in Hindi, outlined significant risks:
- Potential security threats from allowing outsiders into secured premises.
- The possibility of political disturbances and violence.
- Logistical challenges of accommodating central security forces for extended periods.
These warnings resonated with past experiences. An RWA member from a Beleghata high-rise recalled an incident during a bypoll last year where "some goons had dumped garbage outside our complex" as intimidation. A representative from an Ultadanga complex with over 700 voters recounted that on a previous poll day, goons on autos entered the premises after learning the ruling party candidate was trailing at that booth.
Withdrawal of Consent and a Plea for Resolution
The conflicting messages are causing societies to reconsider their positions. A member of a Bypass complex with more than 800 voters stated, "We had earlier given written consent. But after the meeting, we are considering withdrawing it." Another representative from a BT Road high-rise summarized the impossible position: "The EC tells us it is voluntary. The state tells us it is unsafe. We don't want to offend either."
The core grievance of the residents is their forced involvement in a political standoff. A member from a south Kolkata gated community, which already rejected the proposal, voiced the collective plea: "We are ordinary residents, not political players. Both the EC and the state should resolve their differences without dragging us in."
With the December 6 deadline looming, housing societies across Kolkata remain caught in a dilemma, their premises becoming an unlikely battleground in a larger tussle between constitutional and state authorities.
