The West Bengal State Election Commission has announced that compensations will be provided to the presiding officers, polling officers, and other staff members who were affected or injured during the recent panchayat elections in the state. This decision comes after reports surfaced of polling officials being heckled and assaulted in various areas where clashes and violence related to the elections were widespread.
The incidents of violence witnessed during the elections have left many polling officers and staff members traumatized. Some of them were seen breaking down in tears in front of cameras, while others had to be hospitalized due to injuries. The state election commission has taken the decision to compensate these affected officials and staff members in order to address their grievances against the commission and the state government. Many of them have blamed the ineffective deployment and utilization of armed forces for the unprecedented violence.
The joint forum of state government employees has criticized the state election commission for its alleged mismanagement, which they believe led to the plight of the polling officers. They have stated that the presence of central armed forces was insufficient during the polling days, despite their earlier claims that the safety of the polling officials could only be ensured through proper deployment of these forces. As a result, they plan to file a contempt of court petition against the state election commissioner and other commission officials at the Calcutta High Court.
In response to the violence, state congress president and five-time Lok Sabha member, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has stated that the people of the state will give a fitting reply to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Chowdhury criticized the chief minister’s desire for a total opposition-free rule in the state and questioned how much more bloodshed she would need to satisfy her thirst for power.
The compensations announced by the state election commission are seen as an attempt to address the concerns and grievances of the affected polling officials and staff members. It is hoped that this move will help in soothing their anger and frustration towards the commission and the state government. The violent incidents during the elections have garnered widespread attention and criticism, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and future elections will be conducted in a peaceful manner.
Overall, the compensation announcement by the West Bengal State Election Commission highlights the recognition of the challenges faced by the polling officials and staff members during the panchayat elections. It signifies an effort to address their concerns and provide them with support in the aftermath of the violence. The decision also underscores the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of those involved in conducting elections, and it will be crucial to ensure better deployment of armed forces in future elections to prevent similar instances of violence.
