The development has raised serious concerns over poll preparedness in the state capital.

According to officials, over 50 of these booths are located in the Kolkata Port area alone. The EC has directed District Election Officers (DEOs) to verify the situation and ensure that swift corrective measures are taken.

The lack of electricity poses a direct challenge to the Commission's mandate of deploying advanced webcasting facilities across all polling stations. Without power, live monitoring of booths becomes unfeasible. In response, the EC has instructed authorities to restore electricity connections on priority or arrange generators as a backup to ensure uninterrupted webcasting during voting.

Officials also pointed out that polling booths are required to remain enclosed on voting day, with windows and additional doors shut for security reasons.

In such conditions, the absence of electricity could hamper the voting process due to poor visibility.

While power-related issues are more commonly reported in rural areas, the situation in Kolkata has come as a surprise.

Most polling booths in the city are set up in schools, prompting questions over the state government's role in maintaining basic infrastructure.

An EC official stated that ensuring functional electricity connections in school premises falls under the jurisdiction of the state government, and gaps in infrastructure preparedness appear to have led to the current crisis.

The Commission has now directed that temporary electricity arrangements be put in place at all affected booths. Along with power supply, authorities have also been asked to ensure essential facilities such as drinking water and toilets for voters.

West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases this year. The first phase is scheduled for April 23 across 152 constituencies, while the second phase will be held on April 29, covering 142 seats.

Vote counting will take place on May 4. Campaigning for the final phase is currently underway.