As discussions intensify ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have called for strict measures to ensure free and peaceful polling across the state.
Senior CPI(M) leader Md Salim said the party has already urged the Election Commission of India to make adequate arrangements so that elections are conducted without violence, corruption or intimidation.
Md Salim emphasised that regardless of whether the elections are held in a single phase or multiple phases, the priority must remain a fair and transparent voting process.
He said to the IANS, “Whether the election is held in one phase or two phases, we had demanded from the Election Commission of India that proper arrangements be made so that there is no rigging, corruption, or hooliganism during the polls, and that adequate police deployment is ensured...”
CPI(M) targets government over transfers before elections
Speaking about the political objective of the Left Front in the upcoming polls, Salim said the elections would be an opportunity for people to bring about political change in the state government.
He continued, “Through the elections, we want to change the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. Whether it is the central government or the state government, it is the people who ultimately change them through elections. However, before the polls, the government often makes transfers for its own interests. The Chief Minister has also done this...”
The CPI(M) leader also hinted that such administrative moves ahead of elections raise concerns about neutrality in the electoral process.
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Left Front demands peaceful polls
Meanwhile, Biman Bose, chairman of the Left Front, said it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that elections are conducted smoothly and without disturbances.
He stressed that the administration must take necessary precautions to maintain law and order during the polling period.
He told to IANS, “That is their duty to hold election in a peaceful manner. We also demand that election should be held in a peaceful manner with proper precaution from the administration.”
With political parties stepping up their preparations for the upcoming assembly polls, opposition leaders continue to highlight concerns over security arrangements and the need for strict monitoring to ensure a level playing field during the elections.
