Suvendu Adhikari Urges CEO to Shift Madrassa Booths, Ensure Security for Hindu Voters

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, met with the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Wednesday to raise a series of electoral concerns ahead of the 2026 state polls. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Adhikari highlighted two key issues and called for immediate administrative action.

“We talked about two issues with the CEO,” said Adhikari. “He has assured that if our allegations are found to be true, disciplinary action will be taken. These are not state government staff; they are bonafide employees of the Election Commission of India (ECI).”

Referring to a directive from the ECI concerning upcoming polls in 2026, Adhikari said that booth areas in poll-bound states need to be “enhanced and strengthened” to ensure free and fair elections.

One of the primary demands raised by the BJP delegation was the relocation of polling booths currently situated in madrassas. “Hindus of violence-hit areas of Murshidabad are not ready to vote in madrassas because of safety reasons,” Adhikari stated. “We have demanded that booths in madrassas must be shifted.”

In addition, Adhikari urged the CEO to ensure security for Hindu voters in minority-dominated areas, citing concerns over voter intimidation and safety. “We have also demanded to provide security to Hindu voters in Hindu minority areas,” he added.