Tech-driven monitoring made mandatory for all polling booths in West Bengal elections

New Delhi, Mar 17, 2026 : To tighten the surveillance during assembly elections in West Bengal, special emphasis will be given on technology-driven monitoring. Web casting is being made mandatory in 100% polling booths. If web casting is not conducted in any booth, decision of a re-election will be considered. For the first time in the state’s electoral history, drones will be put into operation to monitor and observe situations in large gatherings or sensitive areas.

According to Commission sources, 55 assembly constituencies have already been identified as vulnerable. To oversee the overall election situation, a state-level control center has been set up at the CEO’s office. Additionally, for the first time, an “Observer Cell” has been created, staffed by IAS officers. Their responsibility will be to review the work of various observers. The Commission has announced that each of the state’s 294 assembly constituencies will have one general observer.

In 28 police districts and 6 commissionerates, two police observers will be appointed each. Since Kolkata is a large city, additional observers will be deployed there. A separate cell has also been created to assist elderly and physically disabled voters.