Political camps will be barred within 100 metres of booths, FIRs filed for fake voting, and repolls ordered even for intimidation outside polling stations.
Polling officials, accompanied by Central security personnel, collect votes from elderly voters at their homes under a special facility for those unable to visit polling booths, in Siliguri. (IMAGE: PTI)
The Election Commission (EC) will enforce a strict 100-metre ‘Lakshman Rekha’ around polling booths in West Bengal and, for the first time, initiate criminal action against fake voters, with offences carrying up to six months in jail, sources told News18.
Anyone found engaging in illegal or fake voting will face immediate legal action. An FIR will be registered, and the offence could lead to imprisonment of up to six months. Sources in the EC said this is the first time such strict penal provisions will be actively enforced; earlier, those caught attempting fake voting were typically removed from polling booths without further legal consequences.
EC Draws ‘Lakshman Rekha’
In another key move, the EC will establish a strict 100-metre perimeter — described as a ‘Lakshman Rekha’ — around every polling booth.
The boundary will be marked with white chalk, and only polling officials, security personnel, and voters assigned to that booth will be allowed entry. Political party camps will not be permitted within this zone.
Changes To Repolling Rules
The Commission has also revised its approach to repolling. Traditionally, repolls were ordered only in cases of violence inside polling booths.
However, this time, even allegations of intimidation in the surrounding booth area could trigger a repoll.
A senior EC officer told News18 that any attempt to display muscle power would result in a repoll at that booth, with increased deployment of security forces.
For the first phase of voting, 2,407 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed, along with bulletproof vehicles in sensitive areas. Additionally, the EC has directed that civic volunteers and village police will not be engaged in election duty and will instead remain in reserve lines.
Preventive Custody For Potential Troublemakers
Sources said individuals identified as potential troublemakers may be taken into preventive custody, particularly those with pending cases or prior records who are not currently under arrest, irrespective of political affiliation. People who are out on bail cannot be arrested, but those who have not been arrested may be taken into custody.
A retired senior police officer told News18 that if these measures are implemented effectively, they could significantly ensure free and fair elections. He noted that intimidation in Bengal elections often begins days in advance, with voters being threatened or prevented from casting their votes on polling day.
The current measures, he said, aim to address these tactics at every level, from villages to polling booths.
Enhanced surveillance has also been introduced. Sensitive booths will be equipped with two CCTV cameras each, with monitoring conducted at multiple levels, including central oversight from Delhi.
The EC has also sought to address longstanding allegations of police bias. Sources stated that the current framework leaves little scope for partisan conduct by law enforcement agencies.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday reiterated the Commission’s commitment, stating that the elections in West Bengal would be:
- Fear-free
- Violence-free
- Intimidation-free
- Inducement-free
- Free from bogus voting (‘chappa’)
- Free from booth capturing and jamming
- Free from misuse of official machinery
He emphasised that every voter in West Bengal must be able to exercise their franchise without fear.
April 20, 2026, 23:32 IST
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