Bengal polls: EC observers suggest merging last 2 phases, says report

Poll observers deputed in West Bengal by the Election Commission have indicated to the poll panel that the last two phases of the ongoing assembly elections, scheduled on April 26 and 29, could be merged if extra security forces are provided, the Hindustan Times has reported. The observers -- Ajay Nayak and Vivek Dube -- wrote a letter to ECI late last week but the poll panel is yet to respond to their suggestions, the report said citing senior officials. The letter stated that the next phase to be held on April 22 is too close so nothing can be done about that. However, because of the seriousness of the Covid situation, the observers suggested merging the last two phases. The observes have added that 500 additional companies of forces will be needed, the report said.