The head of elections in West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has affirmed his support for the removal of 5.8 million voters during a recent intensive review process. He emphasized that no violence would be permitted during the polls and outlined comprehensive security measures in an interview with NDTV.
Voting in the state is scheduled for two phases on April 23 and 29.
The review process has sparked controversy, with claims that certain communities were unfairly targeted. Agarwal explained that deletions occurred after field checks where forms could not be processed due to absences, deaths, relocations, or duplicate entries.
This adjustment reduced the voter count from 76.6 million to 70.8 million. He stated that all 5.8 million cases were thoroughly documented.
Agarwal clarified that his position involves oversight, and he maintained complete impartiality. He accepts accountability for the deletions but noted that the chief electoral officer lacks authority to alter voter lists directly, serving instead as a secondary appeals body focused on supervision.
Subsequently, about 500,000 deletions were handled by registration officials, with others referred to courts. The total reached 6 million cases, of which 2.7 million appeals were denied, and reviews continue.
Regarding reports of booth-level officers dying, Agarwal said no evidence has linked these to the review workload. Without supporting documents like autopsy or police reports, no compensation can be issued.
A major reshuffle of senior officials before the elections drew criticism from the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission. Agarwal noted that transfer proposals were submitted for months without adequate state response, with approvals arriving just before the poll announcement.
He described the moves as decisions by the commission, providing opportunities for officers new to district magistrate roles. On deploying police officers from other states, he confirmed no rules prevent this for observer duties.
Agarwal assured that efforts are underway to conduct violence-free elections, with observers assigned to all 294 constituencies and 84 police monitors in place. He encouraged fearless voting, noting no fatalities from campaign violence and an 80% drop in injuries.
Monitoring includes meetings with local police leaders, with clear responsibilities assigned and accountability enforced. He downplayed a recent incident in Malda involving a crowd surrounding judicial staff as a general law enforcement matter, unrelated to elections, with arrests made and judicial proceedings ongoing.
In a new measure, select polling stations will feature dual cameras for full interior coverage. Security at entrances must oversee activities inside, with staff trained to report and address any issues.
Central armed forces will arrive at stations a day early, assuming complete control and responsibility for protecting personnel and equipment.
