With the 2026 elections drawing near, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has shifted into high gear to ensure a violence-free and transparent polling process in West Bengal. On Thursday, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state held a high-level meeting with senior police officials to review the current security scenario. The primary focus of the discussion was the identification of sensitive polling booths and the strategic deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across various volatile districts.

In a move to curb the influence of muscle and money power, the CEO’s office is also scheduled to conduct a virtual conference with multiple Enforcement Agencies today. This includes officials from the Income Tax department, Customs, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The objective is to establish a rigorous monitoring system for illegal financial transactions, distribution of freebies, and the smuggling of illicit liquor or narcotics. The Commission has sent a clear message: any attempt to manipulate voters through financial means will be met with severe legal consequences.

According to sources within the administrative circles, the ECI has directed the police to expedite the execution of long-pending Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) and to maintain a strict vigil on known troublemakers. The meeting also emphasized the need for better coordination between the state police and central agencies to prevent any post-poll or pre-poll unrest. By intensifying these reviews months ahead of the actual voting, the Commission aims to create a neutral and secure environment for the electorate. All eyes are now on how the state administration implements these strict directives under the watchful eyes of the poll panel.