Decision 2021: Five meeting polls to start March 27, Bengal to vote in eight phases; relying on May 2

The Election Commission Friday introduced the schedule for Assembly elections in 4 poll-bound states and one Union Territory (Puducherry) the place almost 18.68 crore electors will vote at 2.7 lakh polling stations for a complete of 824 seats. While the elections will begin with voting in Assam and West Bengal on March 27, outcomes will likely be introduced on May 2.
The elections in West Bengal will likely be held in eight phases, the EC introduced. The dates on which voting will happen for the 294 seats in Bengal are March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29.
Voting for 126 seats in Assam will likely be carried out in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6, whereas polling for Kerala’s 140 seats, Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats and Puducherry’s 30 seats will happen in a single section on April 6.
Arora additionally said that this election would be the final set throughout his tenure as he’s set to demit workplace on April 13. Spelling out the Covid-19 measures, Arora stated door-to-door campaigning for the polls will likely be restricted to 5 individuals together with the candidate. Although roadshows will allowed, there will likely be separate norms for suspected Covid-19 sufferers.
All the polling officers will likely be vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19 earlier than elections, Arora stated. “Vaccination drive has made the situation more conducive for elections, everyone on poll duty declared frontline worker for vaccine purpose,” he added. Arrangements will likely be put in place for candidates to file their nominations on-line whereas the voting course of will likely be allowed for a further hour, conserving in thoughts COVID-19 security tips, he stated.

Apart from these, webcasting association will likely be in place at polling stations in essential and weak areas. While ample CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) deployment will likely be ensured for the meeting polls, Arora stated.

All essential and weak areas have been recognized and advance groups have been already deployed throughout the 4 states and one Union Territories. Arora additionally stated the EC will appoint two particular observers for the polls in Bengal. If wanted, a 3rd can be despatched, he added.