EC Rolls Out Massive Surveillance Plan for Bengal Elections

The Election Commission has introduced new measures in West Bengal with a budget of around ₹250 crore to ensure a free and fair election. A central command centre will track security forces through GPS, while a control room will monitor webcasting. Police checkpoints with 360-degree cameras, a new observer cell, and an upgraded complaint system have also been set up. Over 5,000 flying squads and surveillance teams will handle complaints within 100 minutes, supported by 50–60 micro-observers and random monitoring by officials.

Nearly 2 lakh cameras will enable 100% webcasting across 80,671 polling booths, with cameras placed inside and outside each booth and extra coverage for sensitive ones. Three agencies are setting up the system, and telecom providers like BSNL, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel are ensuring connectivity. The aim is to prevent fake voting, booth capturing, and intimidation.