The Election Commission of India has questioned the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer over delays in proposing polling booths inside high-rise residential buildings ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The poll body has taken a firm stand after the state failed to respond despite two formal reminders.
In a strongly worded communication, the Commission said it had not received a single proposal so far. It described the inaction as a serious lapse in statutory duty under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The EC warned that District Electoral Officers would be held accountable if voters in large housing complexes face inconvenience on polling day.
The matter has become urgent as the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls moves forward in the state. Authorities will release the draft voter list on December 9 and publish it on December 16. The final electoral roll is scheduled for February 14. After the draft list is issued, officials must conduct a fresh ground survey to assess polling needs in high-rise buildings, gated communities, slum clusters and RWA-managed colonies.
The Commission has directed that any area with at least 250 houses or 500 voters must be surveyed. All booth proposals must reach the EC by December 31.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has opposed polling booths inside private housing complexes. She argues that such locations compromise neutrality and break long-standing electoral norms. Her position has added a political layer to what the Election Commission maintains is an administrative responsibility.
