Double the number of CCTV cameras installed by the commission to ensure peaceful voting
File photo.

The first phase of voting (West Bengal Elections 2026) poses a major challenge for the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polling. However, based on the current trend, voting is proceeding largely peacefully. Now, the commission is preparing for the second phase. On April 29, voting will take place in several important constituencies across the state, including Kolkata. Voting is also scheduled for multiple constituencies in Howrah. To ensure peaceful voting, every polling booth will be equipped with CCTV cameras. According to commission sources, on the day of the election on April 29, approximately 10,000 high-quality CCTV cameras will be installed across 4,518 polling booths in Howrah district. Sensitive booths will have two cameras each.

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It has been reported that the installation of CCTV cameras in most polling booths in Howrah district is nearly complete. However, the commission is paying special attention to sensitive booths this time. According to district election office sources, each sensitive booth will have a total of two CCTV cameras—one inside and one outside. But for highly sensitive booths, two cameras will be placed outside and one camera inside the booth. Notably, the Election Commission has declared all booths as sensitive, meaning all 4,518 booths in Howrah are considered sensitive.

According to district election office sources, each sensitive booth will have a total of two CCTV cameras—one inside and one outside. But for highly sensitive booths, two cameras will be placed outside and one camera inside the booth.

District election office sources further stated that surveillance via cameras will begin from the time polling personnel arrive at the booths the day before voting (West Bengal Elections 2026) and will continue until voting ends the next day. Among the strict measures taken to ensure a free and fair voting process, one key step is camera surveillance both inside and outside all booths. For this reason, the number of cameras at booths has been increased compared to previous elections. Cameras are also being installed outside booths to monitor the external situation.

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Howrah district

The Howrah district in West Bengal, India, is historically significant as the site where the British East India Company established the Howrah Railway Station in 1854, making it a key hub for the country’s first passenger railway line. Located on the western bank of the Hooghly River, it has long been an industrial and commercial center, with its iconic Howrah Bridge connecting it to Kolkata. The district’s history also includes its role as a major port and manufacturing base during the colonial era, shaping its dense urban and industrial character today.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India, founded in 1690 by the British East India Company. It served as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911 and is renowned for its rich literary, artistic, and architectural heritage. The city is also famous for landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and its vibrant festivals, such as Durga Puja.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a culturally rich state in eastern India, known for its vibrant arts, literature, and history. Once the capital of British India under Calcutta (now Kolkata), it was a major center of the Indian independence movement and the Bengal Renaissance. Today, it is famous for its diverse heritage, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.