Kolkata, April 18 (UNI) In an effort to cover all districts scheduled for election ahead of the first phase of election in the state, West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal is likely to use a helicopter to review poll preparedness.
Nearly two decades ago in 2006, then CEO Debashis Sen had undertaken a similar aerial tour before elections.
Officials said Agarwal would visit multiple districts on April 20 and 21, including Paschim Medinipur, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and Cooch Behar.
“As time is short, he will travel by helicopter to directly assess ground-level arrangements and ensure readiness for polling,” a senior official at the CEO office said.
Until now, the CEO had been relying on road travel, which was time-consuming.
Helicopters are typically used by political leaders during election campaigns for swift movement across regions.
However, this marks a rare instance of the CEO adopting the same mode to fast-track administrative review.
The decision comes amid the Election Commission’s heightened focus on ensuring peaceful polling.
West Bengal has witnessed incidents of electoral violence in the past, including clashes, bombings, and even fatalities in certain districts.
Following the 2021 Assembly elections, allegations of post-poll violence had triggered widespread political controversy, particularly in districts like South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, Murshidabad and Malda.
However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state were largely peaceful, with no reported loss of life due to poll-related violence.
The Commission is keen to maintain that record in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reiterated that all officials engaged in election duty must strictly follow the Commission’s directives.
He warned that any deviation under the influence of political parties or leaders would invite strict action.
Additionally, superintendents of police across districts have been instructed to act firmly at the first sign of violence.
The CEO’s district visits are part of a broader effort to review security arrangements and administrative preparedness, with the goal of ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections across the state.
UNI SAG PRS