West Bengal Panchayat Elections: Revoting Begins in 696 Booths in 19 Districts

West Bengal Panchayat Elections: Revoting Begins in 696 Booths in 19 Districts

Murshidabad, one of the districts where reelection took place, has the most booths, with 175, followed by Malda, with 109. Murshidabad has been affected hard by violence.

As the engine of the most important democratic exercise in West Bengal revs up again, it’s a fresh start for several polling booths across the state. Following disputes, complaints of violence, and allegations of electoral malpractice, the State Election Commission has announced the repolling of 696 polling stations across 19 districts in West Bengal.

The Panchayat elections, a vital part of the state’s grassroots democratic process, are to be conducted amid heightened security measures and palpable tension in the political atmosphere.

Revoting started at 7 a.m. on Monday in 696 booths spread across 19 districts in West Bengal, where voting for the panchayat elections was cancelled due to claims of ballot box manipulation and violence that claimed 15 lives, according to authorities.

They stated that in addition to state police, four members of the central forces would be stationed at each of those booths throughout the revoting, which would take place until 5 p.m.

The decision for repolling follows numerous objections and complaints made by political parties, independent candidates, and voters. Issues raised include electoral fraud, allegations of violence, intimidation of voters, booth capturing, and improper ballot box sealing. These disruptions were reported in various booths during polling, leading to re-evaluating of electoral practices and the eventual decision to hold repolls.

In response to the reported violence and to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process, the State Election Commission has ramped up security measures. Heavy deployment of security personnel, including central forces, has been carried out at the polling stations. Local authorities are also working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safe transport of voting machinery and materials and the voters themselves. The State Election Commission has emphasized that every step will be taken to provide a free and fair polling process.

The 696 booths where repolling has been announced span 19 districts, including North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Birbhum, among others. The State Election Commission has set out to complete the process swiftly, with each booth equipped to accommodate voters while adhering to the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols.

In line with the government’s directives, the electoral commission will ensure social distancing, the mandatory wearing of masks, and the provision of sanitizers at each polling station.

With 175, Murshidabad, one of the districts where reelection took place, has the most booths, followed by Malda with 109.

Revoting was also taking place at 89 booths in Nadia. Cooch Behar was next with 53, North 24 Parganas with 46, Uttar Dinajpur with 42, South 24 Parganas with 36, Purba Medinipur with 31 and Hooghly with 29 booths, according to authorities.

They said revoting was not mandated in Darjeeling, Jhargram, and Kalimpong districts.

The State Election Commission (SEC), after assessing claims of violence and tampering with vote boxes and ballot papers, decided to rerun the election in these 696 booths, they stated.

The repolling announcement has sparked reactions from various political corners. While ensuring its commitment to a fair electoral process, the ruling party has criticized the opposition for instigating disruptions during the initial voting. On the other hand, opposition parties have accused the ruling party of promoting electoral malpractice. As allegations fly, the everyday citizens of West Bengal look forward to exercising their democratic rights in a peaceful environment.

The outcomes of these Panchayat elections are being keenly watched as they will set the tone for the political scenario in West Bengal for the next few years. The Panchayat elections are considered a barometer of the public’s mood towards the ruling government and a bellwether for the more significant Legislative Assembly elections. Hence, the stakes are high for all political parties.

Over 61,000 polling places hosted voting on Saturday for the three-tier panchayat elections. The violence resulted from the looting, setting on fire, and dumping ballot boxes in ponds in several locations.

The selection of 2.06 lakh candidates for 73,887 panchayat seats was up to 5.67 crore individuals residing in rural parts of the state.

As the day of repolling dawns, the collective hope is that the elections will be conducted peacefully, without disruptions. The citizens of West Bengal are eager to exercise their democratic rights and shape their local governments. The Panchayat elections, an embodiment of democracy at the grassroots, will demonstrate the power of the people’s mandate, deciding the future course of West Bengal’s political landscape.