Voting results declare that no victory rallies and celebratory processions will be allowed in West Bengal. These have to be taken as a precautionary measure.
Otherwise, a further incident can happen. The poll body said all political parties, candidates, district administrations, and police authorities are warned of the election’s conclusion, that “no public celebration, marches or other public gatherings” can take place after the vote is counted.
The directive would otherwise invite instant consequences according to relevant legal provisions if violated, officials warned. The ruling is part of a move aimed at preventing clashes, tensions, and disturbances that post-election celebrations typically involve, much of which is particularly acute in politically sensitive regions but is nevertheless not without its own set of unintended consequences, Election Commission officials said.
West Bengal has a long-standing history of political violence and confrontations during and after elections. It is this that has made officials in the region apply tougher security practices. Security arrangements throughout the state are expected to continue to be very large throughout the counting day and beyond, as well as in the immediate aftermath of the results.
Central armed police forces and State Police officers will still be employed in the most sensitive districts, and in electoral districts and constituencies to provide peace and provide close observation. The Election Commission reiterated that public safety and a peaceful democratic process are still the foremost needs of the organisation.
Local administrations have been told not to hold large numbers of people at counting centres, party headquarters or in large public places where supporters of candidates could try to get crowds to make sense of celebrations. They were also adding that winners will not be able to run roadshows or conduct victory marches after the election has been declared.
Supporters have been encouraged to hold their celebrations, not all gathering in crowds and keeping the peace. Political observers say the Commission’s instruction mirrors mounting concerns of tensions in heavily contested districts. In the last couple of weeks, the state has spent itself under intense campaigning and political contestation, and after-result management is at the heart of maintaining stability.
Political parties have differed about the EC’s order. Though some leaders hailed the move in the name of peace and security, others said victory celebrations are an integral part of the democratic process itself. But most parties said they would obey the Commission’s orders so as not to get in hot legal water.
Administrative officials said high levels of surveillance and monitoring would take place in sensitive areas, including CCTV cameras, drone surveillance in some areas and rapid response teams. As well as the following, we are urging you in this regard to report the matter back to law enforcement agencies.
No one on social media shall share rumours or provocative content. The Election Commission repeatedly argues that elections should be peaceful in their conclusion, and that to maintain the democratic spirit, citizens should not resort to any forms of force or intimidation. The administration is very careful with results this coming day, not least because every inch of West Bengal is expected to be a hotbed of political activity.
