The State Election Commission (SEC) in West Bengal has asked for action taken reports from district magistrates following incidents of disruptions during the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming panchayat polls. The SEC has also directed officials to videograph the nomination process. State election commissioner Rajiva Sinha has opened consultation channels for peaceful conduct of the polls by calling for an all-party meeting on June 13. This move comes after complaints from different parties.
Sinha spoke with the Murshidabad DM and requested a report on the killing of a Congress worker at Khargram on the first day of nominations on Friday. The Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose expressed concern over the incident and also asked Sinha about steps the SEC was considering to ensure peaceful polls.
With violence and disruptions reported in many areas during the filing of nominations, the election commissioner has asked for cooperation from all parties to ensure peaceful polling. The SEC has also taken measures to ensure strict compliance with election guidelines.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the run-up to the polls, and whether all parties will come together to ensure a peaceful election process. However, the SEC’s move to involve all parties in a consultation process is a constructive step towards ensuring fair and peaceful elections.
