Bengal polls go high-tech: EC rolls out 24/7 webcasting trial across 8 districts ahead of Phase II voting
The Statesman | 24 April 2026
Kolkata is getting its cameras ready for one of the most closely watched elections in the country.
Just days before Phase II voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission has quietly switched on a full-scale tech rehearsal. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes dress rehearsal where every camera, cable, control room is being tested before the big polling day drama unfolds.
Across eight districts, officials have begun a trial run of webcasting; basically, live video streaming from polling booths. The goal? No surprises when voters actually line up to cast their votes.
This isn’t a quick check-and-go situation. The trial is running 24/7 in three shifts, with teams constantly watching, fixing, and testing every tiny detail. From internet speed to camera angles, from video clarity to monitoring systems, everything is under the scanner.
The exercise began five days before polling, giving authorities a small but crucial window to iron out glitches. And they’re not taking chances. Senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office are camped in Kolkata, keeping a close eye on how things are unfolding.
Representatives from Central forces, state police, and Kolkata Police are also present, making it a full house of agencies working together. Meanwhile, officers in the eight districts are handling things on the ground, ensuring the field-level setup matches the control room expectations.
And yes, the big bosses in Delhi are watching too. Sources say senior officials at the Election Commission headquarters are tracking the progress closely.
So, what’s the big deal about webcasting?
In simple terms, it’s the Election Commission’s way of keeping eyes everywhere without physically being everywhere. These live feeds are usually set up in sensitive polling booths. These are the places where there could be tension or higher chances of disruption.
Through webcasting, officials can monitor voter queues, check if polling is running smoothly, and keep an eye on law and order in real time. It’s like having a virtual presence at multiple booths at once.
More importantly, this system adds a layer of transparency. When everything is being recorded and watched live, it becomes much harder for irregularities to slip through unnoticed.