With the 2026 West Bengal Elections approaching, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented stringent measures to curb rising political unrest. In a landmark directive, the Commission has banned all public gatherings, meetings, and rallies without prior authorization. Any violation of this rule will lead to immediate arrest. Furthermore, visiting the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office now requires mandatory prior permission.

The decision follows a series of violent incidents, including a massive clash between political supporters at the CEO’s office and the detention of judges in Malda. Following a high-level meeting led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the ECI warned that government employees or BLOs participating in unauthorized protests would face immediate suspension. Observers believe this “Zero Tolerance” approach is a crucial step by the Commission to ensure a peaceful and fair polling environment amid the deteriorating law and order situation.