Wrapping up his high-profile three-day visit to West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar announced a series of ground-breaking measures for the 2026 Assembly Elections. In his final press briefing in Kolkata, the CEC emphasized a “zero-tolerance policy” toward electoral malpractice and announced that for the first time, 100% webcasting will be implemented across all polling booths in the state. This means every single move inside a booth will be monitored live by the Election Commission in Delhi.

A significant portion of the CEC’s address was dedicated to young voters. Gyanesh Kumar stated that the commission’s primary target is to maximize participation among 18-19-year-olds. Special awareness campaigns and incentives are being planned to encourage first-time voters to reach the polling stations. “The youth are the backbone of our democracy, and their vote is crucial for a transparent election,” he noted during the conference.

The CEC also issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news and provocative content on social media. He assured that specialized teams are already tracking digital platforms to prevent any communal or political unrest. Regarding security, he confirmed that central paramilitary forces would be deployed strategically to ensure a fear-free environment. With the promise of a tech-driven and youth-centric election, the poll panel has set the stage for one of the most monitored electoral battles in Bengal’s history.