EC approves 4,660 auxiliary polling stations and relocates 321 booths in Bengal

The Election Commission has approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in West Bengal to facilitate voters in constituencies where the number of electors exceeds 2,200. Alongside the addition of these stations, the Commission has also sanctioned the shifting of 321 existing polling stations to more convenient locations for voters. With these changes, the total number of polling stations in the state now stands at 85,379, ensuring greater accessibility and reduced crowding during the Assembly elections.

According to the Commission, the establishment of additional polling stations follows standard guidelines that mandate auxiliary booths wherever voter numbers exceed 1,200 per station. The move is intended to streamline the voting process, prevent operational delays, and reduce waiting times for citizens. Election officials are also expected to oversee the proper functioning of these new centers to maintain orderly polling during both phases of the election on April 23 and April 29.

The Commission has instructed the Chief Electoral Officer to widely publicize the creation and relocation of polling stations to ensure voter awareness. Notifications must reach voters as well as political party representatives in affected constituencies, guaranteeing transparency and smooth coordination. Each polling booth will continue to have a unique identification number to allow parties to raise complaints or issues efficiently.

Additional measures announced by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar include special assistance camps at booths, webcasting facilities for monitoring polling, prohibition of mobile phones inside polling stations, and real-time voter turnout updates on the ECINET app. These initiatives aim to facilitate a secure, accessible, and transparent voting experience for all citizens in West Bengal.