Amidst rising political tensions over CAA and voter list discrepancies, the Election Commission (EC) has made a significant strategic move in West Bengal. On Saturday morning, the Commission announced the addition of 4,660 new polling booths across the state to facilitate a smoother voting experience. With this, the total number of polling stations in Bengal has reached 85,379.

Enhanced Accessibility for Voters: The EC stated that these new booths are being set up in areas where the number of voters exceeds 1,200. The primary goal is to minimize long queues and ensure that booths are located closer to residential areas, especially considering the scorching April heat. Additionally, the locations of 321 existing booths have been shifted for better accessibility. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had previously emphasized that the EC aims to turn the election into a “festival” by prioritizing voter convenience.

Handling Increased Voter Turnout: The final voter list published on February 28 saw a surge in new registrations following intensive revisions. This increase in the electorate is one of the key reasons behind the expansion of polling infrastructure. As the first phase of polling in Bengal kicks off on April 23, the commission’s pro-active measures are expected to boost voter turnout and streamline the entire electoral process.