Cameras Installed on Sensitive Booth Routes to Ensure Voter Safety Amid Reports of Obstruction The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified security measures for sensitive polling booths ahead of the second phase of West Bengal’s 2026 assembly elections. Following reports of voter obstruction and political tensions in previous elections, the commission has deployed advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to monitor high-risk areas. These efforts aim to prevent disruptions and ensure a peaceful voting process. The ECI has categorized polling booths into three levels of sensitivity: sensitive, super sensitive, and super super sensitive. This classification is based on historical data, including past incidents of unrest, political disputes, and allegations of electoral malpractice. For super super sensitive booths, the commission has mandated the installation of three cameras—two inside the booth and one on the approach road. The third camera, placed outside, is designed to monitor voter movement and detect any unauthorized interference. This measure follows a 2024 incident in West Bengal where CCTV footage uncovered irregularities in some booths, prompting stricter protocols. In the first phase of the election, which covered 142 constituencies, the ECI reported no major incidents of voter intimidation, booth jams, or rigging. However, the commission emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. To support real-time monitoring, the ECI has collaborated with telecom providers to ensure 4G coverage in all polling regions.#kolkata #west_bengal #election_commission_of_india #howrah #2026_assembly_elections
