Archive · 11 Jan 2026
ECI concerned over low housing complexes for polling booths in Bengal
The Election Commission of India is not happy because not enough big housing buildings with 300 or more people have been found in West Bengal for setting up voting places.
Only 69 such buildings have been found so far, which is less than what is needed.
Most of these buildings are in districts near Kolkata, with very few in the city itself.
Some people think this is a good idea because it will help old and sick people vote easily.
But others, like the Trinamool Congress party, don't like this idea and have even written to the Election Commission to say no.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, is also against this plan.
ECI is unhappy with only 69 private housing complexes identified for polling booths in West Bengal.
South 24 Parganas has the most complexes (25), followed by North 24 Parganas (22).
Kolkata has only 10 complexes identified, with 8 in North Kolkata and 2 in South Kolkata.
No complexes have been identified in 14 districts of the state.
Trinamool Congress opposes the proposal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee writing to the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Who
- Election Commission of India (ECI) and West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)
- What
- Low number of private housing complexes identified for polling booths
- When
- Upcoming Assembly elections later this year
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To facilitate voting for residents in large housing complexes
- Number of housing complexes identified
- 69
- Total districts in West Bengal
- 23
- Districts with no identified complexes
- 14
- Maximum complexes in a district
- 25 (South 24 Parganas)
- Complexes in Kolkata
- 10 (8 in North, 2 in South)
- Opposing party
- Trinamool Congress
- Chief Minister
- Mamata Banerjee
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
