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Election: The Election Commission of India has expressed serious displeasure over the delayed response of two District Magistrates, who are also serving as District Electoral Officers, in connection with recent incidents of tension and vandalism at voter list hearing centres in West Bengal. These incidents occurred during the hearings on claims and objections related to the draft voters’ list, a crucial exercise ahead of upcoming elections.

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ckground of the Electoral Disturbances

The first incident was reported from Farakka in the Murshidabad district, an area with a significant minority population. According to reports, vandalism took place at a designated hearing centre, disrupting the electoral revision process. The alleged involvement of local ruling party activists escalated the situation and raised concerns about the safety and neutrality of electoral proceedings at the grassroots level.

The Election Commission promptly intervened and instructed the District Magistrate and District Electoral Officer of Murshidabad to register a First Information Report against the accused legislator, Manirul Islam. The Commission also directed that compliance with this order be reported on the same day. However, officials from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that no such compliance report had been received even two days later.

Second Case of Non-Compliance in North Dinajpur

A similar lapse was observed in another incident at Itahar in North Dinajpur district. Here too, vandalism was reported at a voter list hearing centre earlier in the week. The Commission had sought a detailed and immediate report from the concerned District Electoral Officer. Despite clear instructions, there was no response or report submitted to the Commission by Saturday morning, further aggravating the matter.

Election Commission’s Warning to State Officials

Sources within the CEO’s office revealed that the Election Commission had already communicated strict instructions to all District Electoral Officers across the state. They were clearly told not to treat incidents of vandalism or intimidation at hearing centres lightly. Immediate registration of FIRs with local police stations was emphasized as a mandatory step in such cases.

The Commission also warned that unnecessary delays or failure to comply with these directions could result in disciplinary action against the concerned officers. This warning underlines the Commission’s intent to ensure that electoral processes remain free, fair, and uninterrupted by political interference or administrative negligence.

Political Reactions and Allegations

Meanwhile, the issue has also triggered political reactions within the state. On Friday, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, accused the Election Commission of adopting a soft approach toward repeated disruptions during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

He alleged that hooliganism at hearing centres was being carried out by supporters of the ruling party and questioned the absence of stronger security measures. Adhikari specifically asked why Central Armed Police Forces were not being deployed at these sensitive locations to ensure smooth conduct of the revision exercise.

Demand for Central Force Deployment

Citing constitutional provisions, Adhikari stated that the Election Commission of India possesses extensive powers to deploy central forces independently. He argued that the Commission does not require prior consultation with state authorities to ensure security and can even deploy the Army if the situation demands.

Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity

These developments have once again brought the issue of administrative accountability and electoral security into focus. Delays in action and perceived inaction by local risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process. With elections approaching, the Commission’s response to such incidents will be closely watched by political parties, civil society, and voters alike.