Access to polling booths: Mixed bag for the disabled
Times of India | 30 April 2026
Kolkata: For electors with disabilities, polling arrangements in Kolkata during the second phase drew mixed reactions. While some praised the EC efforts to improve accessibility, others flagged missing ramps at several booths, making entry difficult for wheelchair users.
Disability rights activist Jeeja Ghosh, who was born with cerebral palsy, said arrangements were significantly better this year than during the 2021 Assembly polls or even the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On Wednesday, she was able to access her booth on a mechanised wheelchair. "Five years ago, when I was made the brand ambassador by the EC, I had a major problem accessing the booth at St Lawrence as there was no ramp. Nor was there a railing for support while climbing stairs. All that has changed this time with a ramp available to access the booth," recounted Jeeja, whose name was initially missing from the rolls but was later included.
Rahul Singh, a resident of Bhowanipore constituency, also reported a smooth experience at the Mitra School new building booth. "People with wheelchairs received the cooperation of everyone, both election officials and fellow electors," he said.
However, gaps persisted. Presidency University assistant professor Priyanka De, an advocate for disability-inclusive infrastructure, voted from home, but her mother Pranati pointed out the lack of a ramp at the Debnagar Free Primary School booth in Behala West. "If we want to make the elections inclusive, ramps are an absolute must," said De.
Similar concerns were raised elsewhere. Iman Sinha of Prafulla Kanan West, who voted at Blue Bird Montessori School, and Arindam Bhadra of Kamalpur in Chakdaha both highlighted the absence of ramps. "There are people to assist in lifting the wheelchair. But why should ramps not be there so that those with disabilities can independently access the booth?" Bhadra asked.
An EC official said the state govt had assured proper infrastructure at all booths, including ramps. However, Mackintosh Burn, earlier tasked with the upgrade, withdrew, citing its inability to overhaul 80,000 polling booths.