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The West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) on Saturday met with the 400-odd observers to discuss security measures during the three-phase panchayat polls in the State.
A notification on the expected dates and districts, declaration of results and dates for submission of nominations is likely to be out on Monday.
According to SEC sources, the Commission directed the observers to ensure adequate security personnel at polling booths as per the Calcutta High Court order.
The Commission has asked observers to report immediately in case of reports of rigging at the polling booths.
The State Government may provide around 40 per cent of the forces required to conduct the elections. The Court, in its earlier order , had directed that the State would meet any shortfall in security personnel by bringing in police from other states. After a prolonged legal tussle between the SEC and the State Government over deployment of central security forces, the Court on May 14 ordered that rural polls in West Bengal be held with the support of the State police force.
Meanwhile, State Congress President Pradip Bhattacharya has sent a letter to the Commission seeking information on security arrangements and deployment of forces .
ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in
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