NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the Election Commission of India’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in West Bengal. In a message directed at officials managing the elections, Kumar stated that the commission would spare no effort in establishing measures to reduce malpractices and enhance voter confidence.
Kumar reaffirmed that the upcoming elections would be free of fear, violence, intimidation, and inducements, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy toward any electoral misconduct. He further stressed that government officials should not interfere in the electoral process. “No employee of the state government, local bodies, or autonomous bodies would be allowed to influence the electoral process in any manner,” Kumar remarked.
He called on voters to actively participate in the elections, encouraging citizens to cast their votes without apprehension. “Every elector of West Bengal should exercise his or her vote fearlessly,” he stated.
Highlighting the democratic significance of the elections, Kumar referred to them as a celebration of democracy, coining the phrase, “Chunav ka parv, West Bengal ka garv.”
Elections for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.
