Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission have instructed West Bengal officials to ensure that the upcoming elections, scheduled for April 23 and 29, are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. This directive comes in response to concerns about past violence during elections, particularly the 2021 Assembly elections, which saw significant post-poll violence. To maintain order, 500 companies of central forces will be deployed, with an additional 200 companies to protect electronic voting machines and counting centers. The Commission has also initiated an investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, handing the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Supreme Court has criticized the West Bengal administration for its failure to address election-related violence and has called for accountability. In light of these events, the Election Commission is taking measures to ensure that voters can exercise their rights without fear.