Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) across numerous housing complexes in Kolkata are grappling with a crucial decision, following a proposal from the Election Commission to set up polling stations within their premises. The dilemma has intensified after a meeting where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Mayor Firhad Hakim outlined potential complications.
Leadership Caution Fuels Apprehension
The pivotal meeting, held on Wednesday, was initially framed as a discussion on the needs of high-rise residents. However, it swiftly transformed into a detailed briefing on the operational and security implications of hosting a polling booth. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joining via speaker phone through Mayor Hakim's device, advised communities not to feel pressured by any "forced instructions" from the Election Commission.
She emphasized that allowing a booth inside a private complex could expose residents to an influx of outsiders and potentially invite political disturbances. This direct caution from the state's top leadership has significantly altered the initial perception of many RWA representatives.
Resident Backlash and RWA Deliberations
Since returning from the meeting, RWA officials have been inundated with calls, messages, and direct questions from anxious residents seeking clarity on whether their complex will ultimately permit a polling station. The wave of inquiries underscores the widespread concern triggered by the leadership's warnings.
At Silver Spring housing society, an RWA member revealed that while they were initially positive about the idea, the meeting introduced serious apprehensions. The association has shared a detailed note on its WhatsApp group to address queries and plans to hold a board meeting, open to several residents, before making a final decision.
The sentiment is echoed at Om Tower on BT Road, where a senior RWA member stated the proposal would be placed before all residents for consultation. "After the meeting, many questions have cropped up. We need to hear everyone out," the member said, highlighting the democratic process being undertaken.
Clarity Sought on EC Directives
A key point of confusion for the RWAs is the nature of the Election Commission's directive. A member from Sunrise Heights articulated this dilemma clearly: "If there is a specific instruction from the EC that applies to all high-rises, we will comply. But if the EC wants us to make a decision on our own, we can't do that."
This statement captures the core issue—whether the proposal is a mandatory order or a request for voluntary participation. The lack of a uniform, compulsory directive has left housing societies to weigh the logistical benefits against the pointed security and privacy risks highlighted by the Chief Minister.
As reported, most housing societies in the city now appear reluctant to proceed. The final decisions, expected after internal meetings and resident consultations in the coming days, will determine how Kolkata's high-rise communities participate in the upcoming electoral process.
