CPI(M) Urges Single-Phase Election in West Bengal

CPI(M) has requested the Election Commission to conduct West Bengal’s assembly elections in a single phase. The party believes multi-phase polls enable anti-social activities. Concerns were also raised about ensuring all genuine voters are listed. The ECI is in Kolkata to assess election readiness.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) has formally appealed to the Election Commission of India to conduct the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections in a single phase. The party argues that holding elections in multiple phases allows for the movement of anti-social elements across different constituencies, potentially affecting the fairness of the process.

In a meeting with the full bench of the Election Commission, the CPI(M)'s West Bengal state secretary, Mohammed Salim, emphasized the need for a streamlined electoral procedure, stating that if a single-phase election is unfeasible, the process should not extend beyond two phases. This demand comes in the wake of the 2021 assembly polls that stretched over an unprecedented eight phases.

Furthermore, the CPI(M) highlighted the importance of a comprehensive voter list, urging that all genuine voters be included following the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission's full bench is presently in Kolkata to evaluate preparations, engaging in discussions with various representatives from recognized political parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)