West Bengal Gears Up for Violence-Free Polls with Stringent Security Measures

Authorities in Hooghly and Chandannagar are implementing rigorous security strategies for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections. Measures include Section 163 orders, CAPF secured zones, and webcasting to ensure fairness and transparency. Phase I saw an impressive voter turnout of 91.78%, with Phase II set for April 29.

The election authorities in Hooghly district, along with the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate, have set comprehensive security protocols ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal. These measures are designed to guarantee a peaceful, fair, and violence-free polling environment, officials announced on Sunday.

In a press briefing, Hooghly District Magistrate (DM) and District Election Officer (DEO) Khurshid Ali Kaderi confirmed the implementation of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), effective from April 27 at 6:00 pm to the close of polling. Furthermore, outsiders not registered to vote in Hooghly will be barred from staying in the district during this period.

The Chandannagar Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Yadav detailed ongoing security operations led by CAPF teams. These include area domination, route marches, and awareness drives. The pre-poll crackdown has led to the confiscation of weapons and arrest of suspects. Phase I elections recorded a notable voter turnout of 91.78%, setting a proactive precedent for Phase II on April 29.