Relief has come for thousands of polling personnel across West Bengal after large-scale disruptions in postal ballot voting left many unable to exercise their franchise during the initial phase.
In the run-up to the WB Assembly Election 2026, chaos unfolded across multiple districts, including Murshidabad and Birbhum, where polling staff had gathered at training centres to cast their votes.
Instead of a smooth process, they were met with long queues, inadequate arrangements, and in several cases, a shortage of ballot papers.
Many polling personnel alleged that despite waiting for hours, they were forced to return without voting.
Teacher Basudeb Sutradhar claimed that the number of booths was disproportionately low compared to the number of voters, leading to severe delays and frustration.
In some centres, ballot papers reportedly ran out, worsening the situation and sparking anger among staff on election duty.
The confusion triggered serious concerns about whether these polling personnel would lose their democratic right to vote.
However, stepping in to address the issue, the Birbhum district administration has assured that those who could not vote on April 16 will be given another opportunity through postal ballots.
What you need to know
- Fresh voting dates announced for April 20, 21 and 22
- Voting to be held from 9 AM to 5 PM on all three days
- Only polling and election duty personnel are eligible
- Voting will take place at designated RO headquarters
- Administration says no one will be deprived of voting rights
According to the latest notification issued by the Election Commission, polling personnel can visit their respective Returning Officer (RO) headquarters on the specified dates to cast their votes.
The move is aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter is left out due to earlier administrative lapses.
To facilitate smoother voting this time, district authorities have earmarked specific centres. Personnel from Suri, Dubrajpur, Sainthia, and Mayureswar constituencies can vote at Birbhum District School in Suri.
Those from Nanoor, Labhpur, and Bolpur constituencies have been assigned the Bolpur SDO office, while polling staff from Rampurhat, Nalhati, Hansan, and Margram constituencies will vote at Rampurhat JL Vidyabhavan.
The administration's intervention has brought a sense of relief among polling personnel, many of whom had feared losing their chance to vote. However, the incident has also raised larger questions about preparedness and logistical planning during a crucial electoral exercise.