Thursday marks the beginning of the high-stakes electoral battle, as Phase 1 voting gets underway across 16 districts of the state. Polling will be conducted across a massive network of booths, with the Election Commission stepping up measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.
Helplines activated to ensure free & fair polls
In a bid to curb unrest and respond swiftly to complaints, the Election Commission has activated a 24x7 toll-free helpline and a dedicated email ID for voters:
Toll-free number: 18003450008
Email ID: wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com
Voters can report any incidents of violence, irregularities, or disturbances directly from their homes or polling areas.
A history of poll violence, a push for control
Electoral unrest is not new to the state. From panchayat polls to Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, clashes between political parties and sporadic violence have often made headlines.
This time, authorities are aiming to tighten control, with real-time monitoring and citizen reporting mechanisms expected to play a crucial role.
Key highlights of Phase 1 voting
Total booths: 44,376
Main booths: 41,418
Auxiliary booths: 2,958
Webcasting: Live monitoring will take place at every polling booth
Voters per booth: Average of 813 voters
Voting equipment deployed:
VVPATs: 64,466
Ballot Units: 59,777
Control Units: 59,980
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Security deployment:
2,407 companies of the central forces are stationed
The highest deployment is in the Murshidabad district
High security, high stakes
With an extensive deployment of central forces and digital surveillance through webcasting, Phase 1 is set to be closely monitored. Murshidabad, in particular, remains under tight security, reflecting its electoral sensitivity.
