The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a set of strict directives to the West Bengal government and political parties ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, stressing the safety of election officials and smooth conduct of the poll process.
The poll panel said the state government should immediately release the enhanced honorarium approved by the ECI to all Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
It also informed a Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation that polling stations will be set up in high-rise buildings, gated communities and slums to ensure easier access for voters.
The ECI cautioned political parties to ensure that their ground-level workers do not intimidate or threaten election staff. It warned that strict action will be taken against any miscreants attempting to disrupt election duties.
With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) going on in the state, the Commission made it clear that intimidation of electoral staff, including BLOs, EROs, AEROs and observers, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
