Bengal, Jan 10 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed concern over the low number of private housing complexes identified in West Bengal for setting up polling booths ahead of the crucial Assembly elections later this year. The proposal aims to establish booths in complexes with 300 or more residents to improve voter accessibility.
According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, only 69 such housing complexes have been identified so far, far below the estimated requirement. South 24 Parganas leads with 25 complexes, followed by North 24 Parganas with 22. In Kolkata, only 10 complexes have been listed eight in North Kolkata and two in South Kolkata surprising the Commission. Other districts like Hooghly (5), Howrah (4), and East Burdwan (3) also have limited representation, while 14 districts have yet to identify a single eligible housing complex.
The proposal has sparked political debate. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have opposed the move, arguing that polling booths within housing complexes could inconvenience residents. Supporters contend that locating booths within complexes would help elderly and ailing voters, allowing them to cast ballots without traveling to nearby schools or public centres.
The ECI has urged officials to accelerate identification of eligible housing complexes to ensure adequate polling infrastructure and smooth voting access during the upcoming elections.