Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has said that the Election Commission’s primary aim is to ensure that all voters in West Bengal participate in the upcoming Assembly elections in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation. The CEC made it clear that the ECI will not tolerate intimidation to voters. Addressing a press conference today in Kolkata after a two-day review meeting on poll preparations, Mr Kumar said law enforcement agencies have been directed to strictly enforce the rule of law without fear or favour. He noted that democracy runs deep in the state and voter turnout has traditionally remained high.

 

The Chief Election Commissioner also appealed to voters to help ensure peaceful and participatory elections. He said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is nearing completion and emphasised that pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy. Kumar added that agencies have been instructed to act with absolute impartiality and ensure that cash, liquor, narcotics and other contraband substances are kept out of the state during the election period.