ECI clears polling booths in highrises across seven districts
The Statesman | 11 January 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) clears the proposal for setting up of polling booths inside multi-storey housing complexes in West Bengal, despite objections raised by the ruling Trinamul Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Commission sources said a total of 69 high-rise housing complexes across seven districts of the state have been identified for setting up polling booths. The polling booths will be set up in housing complexes with more than 300 voters.
According to officials in the CEO office in West Bengal, polling booths will be established in two housing complexes in south Kolkata and eight in north Kolkata.
In the districts, South 24-Parganas will have the highest number with 25 such complexes, followed by North 24-Parganas with 22. Howrah will have four, East Burdwan three, and Hooghly five housing complexes with polling booths.
“Polling booths will be set up in housing complexes where the voter strength is more than 300. The commission has taken a final decision after reviewing reports and surveys,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
The move comes amid a prolonged tussle over the issue that has continued for several months.
The state Chief Minister had earlier written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar opposing the proposal to set up polling booths inside private high-rise housing complexes, citing concerns over neutrality and security.
Officials said the controversy began after the Election Commission directed the state administration to identify suitable housing complexes where polling booths could be set up to improve voter participation.
The Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office had sought reports from District Electoral Officers (DEOs) on eligible housing complexes.
“Despite repeated reminders, the DEOs failed to submit reports within the stipulated time. Initially, the CEO’s office had stepped back from the plan due to the lack of applications and data,” an official said.
However, under the pressure of ECI, the issue was taken up in a high-level review meeting held on 30 December, chaired by ECI Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, attended by Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, district magistrates and senior officials from North and South 24-Parganas.
The commission without relying on the state administration decided to form its own team to identify the housing complexes to set-up booths and after much deliberations the commission zeroed in on 69 housing complexes where the booths are likely to set up.
Interestingly, the proposal has seen sharp political differences. The Trinamul Congress has consistently opposed the move, arguing that polling booths are usually set up in government schools and that booths inside private housing complexes could compromise electoral neutrality and security.
In contrast, the BJP has supported the decision, claiming that voters in large housing complexes often avoid going out to vote due to alleged intimidation. The party has argued that setting up booths within housing complexes would ensure greater participation.