The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has opposed the proposal of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to set up polling booths in housing societies and high rises which has over 400 voters. TMC has said that they won’t allow booths in private premises.

What is the ECI’s proposal?

“Polling booths were set up in high-rises for the first time during the Delhi Assembly polls, and it raised the turnout 15 per cent compared with the previous election,” a poll panel official said. “So, it was decided to extend the measure across the country.”

For now, housing complexes with at least 400 voters will be considered for the privilege, sources in the poll panel said.

“For this, the secretary of the housing society would have to give a no-objection and there should be a proper space, like a community hall, to set up the polling booth,” said a senior official of ECI. He then added, “The Election Commission will arrange the polling and security personnel. It will also ensure CCTV coverage.”

TMC opposes ECI’s proposal, gets support from BJP

The BJP — which believes that high-rise residents tend to be its supporters, and are often prevented from stepping out to vote by alleged Trinamool-backed goons — welcomed the decision.

But sources in the ECI said, in the all party meeting, TMC opposed ECI proposal to such booths. State sports minister and TMC leader Aroop Biswas who was among the party’s delegation to ECI said, “It is not acceptable to making booths in the private areas. Our party will not allow to make booths in private premises. We already opposed such proposals.”

BJP leader Rahul Sinha said, “It is obvious TMC would oppose such proposals. They knew that, educated persons don’t support them. That is why they always try to stop them to reach booth. Even previously in many cases they just lock and key many societies so that people residing there can’t poll and TMC will give their votes. If ECI make such booths then, TMC will survive and that is why they are opposing.”

However, a senior BJP leader also concerned that, “Even after opposition of TMC, ECI will try to implement this decision, TMC leaders will threaten secretary of housing societies so that, they never give permission to ECI to make booths in their societies.”

The ECI on Friday already had a meeting with all party delegation on booth rationalisation. After elaborate analysis, Chief Election Officer (CEO) of West Bengal of Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to increase almost 14 thousand booths in this state. CEO office already made a draft list of new booths. CEO called an all party meeting on Friday where all parties participated including major parties like TMC, BJP, Congress, CPIM.

According to draft list of Election Commission, West Bengal now have 80,681 booths. According to commission’s proposal, total number of booths will increase 13,816. However, 37 booths will be abolished and 1253 booths will be reorganised. 703 number of booths will be shifted from their old address.

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