Kolkata: The Election Commission on Monday launched a separate toll-free number to help voters in West Bengal report directly to the Commission any issues related to unrest or law and order.
The Commission has also introduced a dedicated email ID so that voters can lodge complaints without delay.
Voters can now call the toll-free number or send an email to report problems such as threats, intimidation, beatings, or interference with polling agents.
The Commission already operates a nationwide toll-free number (1950). However, for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, a separate number has been launched: 18003450008. The dedicated email ID is wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agrawal said, “The elections are almost here. We are now receiving complaints related to law and order. That is why we have launched a separate toll-free number and email ID. Voters can file complaints there at any time. After receiving the complaint, we will investigate and take action.”
The Commission reiterated its commitment to free and peaceful voting. Central forces have already been deployed in West Bengal ahead of the polls and are conducting route marches in various areas to instil confidence among voters.
The Commission emphasised that unrest will not be tolerated and complaints will be investigated promptly.
Earlier, the district magistrates, who are also district electoral officers, police superintendents, and district forces coordinators of the districts concerned, separately urged the people of poll-bound West Bengal to reach polling booths without fear and cast their votes in large numbers.
The three key electoral officials from all districts and the two electoral districts of Kolkata (Dakshin and Uttar) simultaneously addressed the media.
The common message conveyed through those press conferences was that the Election Commission of India is determined to ensure 100 per cent free, fair, and violence-free polls this time.
The three key electoral officers, district magistrates/district electoral officers, police superintendents, and force coordinators, at the respective press conferences, also issued strong notes of caution to probable troublemakers.
They warned that any attempt to disrupt the polling process through booth-jamming, source-jamming, intimidation of voters, or harassment of the opponent party’s polling agents would be dealt with seriously in accordance with the legal provisions and norms specified by the Election Commission of India.
The officials emphasised that the elections this time will be fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free, and free of booth-jamming or source-jamming.
(IANS)
