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According to sources, the CEC told officers that the Commission would have zero tolerance towards violence or intimidation of voters and election staff.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made it clear that punitive measures would not be limited to routine transfers. (Image: News18)
The full bench of the Election Commission of India on Sunday delivered a strong message to administrative and police officers in West Bengal, warning that strict action would be taken if violence occurs during the upcoming elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made it clear that punitive measures would not be limited to routine transfers and could include departmental proceedings against responsible officials.
The message came during a day-long review meeting in Kolkata with District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, Police Commissioners, and enforcement agencies to assess election preparedness.
Strong Warning to Officers
According to sources, the CEC told officers that the Commission would have zero tolerance towards violence or intimidation of voters and election staff. Traditionally, strict action by the Commission during elections often meant transfers of officers. However, this time the CEC clearly indicated that action would go beyond transfers.
Sources told News18 that the CEC warned: if violence occurs, the concerned officer will be held accountable. “Poll violence and post-poll violence will not be tolerated. If such incidents occur, the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police or Police Commissioner will not only be removed but may also face departmental proceedings,” sources said.
In a satirical remark, the CEC also told officers that the Commission does not want to call officials for “chai (tea)”, indicating that a summons from the Commission is usually for serious accountability.
‘Why Only Bengal?’: CEC Questions Violence
During his opening remarks, Gyanesh Kumar sharply reprimanded officials and questioned why election-related violence is repeatedly reported from West Bengal.
“No other state witnesses such levels of violence. Why do incidents of violence during elections occur only in West Bengal? All political parties have complained to us. This will not be tolerated anymore,” he said.
He further warned that officers would not be able to escape responsibility if negligence is established, even after elections are over.
Peaceful Polls Must Be Ensured
Sources said the CEC repeatedly sought assurances from officers that elections would be conducted in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. He made it clear that either illegal activities such as cash distribution, liquor circulation and intimidation would stop, or responsible officers would face consequences.
Officers were instructed to ensure:
- Zero tolerance towards violence, intimidation and muscle power
- Strict action against illegal arms
- A crackdown on the distribution of cash, liquor and drugs during elections
- Complete non-partisan functioning and adherence to the rule of law
Concerns Over NDPS Enforcement
The Commission also expressed dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS) in West Bengal.
Officials pointed out that preventive detention under the law requires an Advisory Board to be in place. When officers attempted to explain the situation, the Commission reportedly expressed strong displeasure.
Coordination and Poll Preparedness
During the meeting, central agencies raised concerns over lack of coordination with state authorities, prompting the Commission to instruct officers to improve inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The Commission also directed officials to:
- Ensure Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations
- Provide proper training to election personnel
- Maintain strict vigilance against misinformation while respecting legitimate criticism
Both state and central agencies were warned to perform their duties responsibly and impartially.
Remarks on SIR Process
Speaking on the voter list verification exercise, the CEC said that except for one state, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has been completed smoothly across the country, suggesting that the issues being raised are largely specific to West Bengal.
He also questioned why people whose names were allegedly deleted were not being encouraged to submit Form 6 to re-enroll if they are eligible voters.
Re-Poll if Disturbances Occur
The CEC made it clear that the Commission will not hesitate to order re-polls if disturbances are reported during voting. If problems persist even during re-polling, further re-polls may be conducted until a fair process is ensured.
Clear Signal from the Commission
The meeting concluded with a clear signal from the Election Commission: any lapse by officers in preventing poll violence will invite stringent action.
With elections approaching, the Commission’s message was unmistakable — officials responsible for maintaining law and order will be held personally accountable if violence mars the democratic process in West Bengal.
March 10, 2026, 10:13 IST
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