Kolkata, April 21 (IANS). West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi on Tuesday announced that a 24×7 citizen helpline has been launched to make the upcoming two-phase assembly elections (April 23 and April 29) in the state free, fair and fear-free.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s office on Tuesday evening, it was said that in the last few days, the Governor held several meetings with the general public, in which people expressed their concern about the violence occurring before and after the elections.
The statement said many people shared their past experiences, which included incidents of violence during elections, killing of family members and being prevented from voting. Some people said that despite intimidation, they faced physical attacks when they voted.
According to the statement, the state administration and police have made elaborate security arrangements under the instructions of the Election Commission, yet Raj Bhavan has started a 24×7 helpline to help the people.
The objective of this initiative is to ensure that every voter can participate in the democratic process without any fear.
The helpline will receive complaints, try to resolve them quickly and help people reach the right institutional support.
All complaints will be treated with complete sensitivity and confidentiality. An appeal has been made to all the voters of the state to participate enthusiastically in this great festival of democracy and definitely vote. Every vote is important.
Let us tell you that earlier also during the 2023 Panchayat elections, former Governor C.V. Anand Bose had taken a similar step to stop the violence and ‘Peace Room’ was opened in Raj Bhavan. This arrangement continued during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections also.
–IANS
AMT/DKP