New voters are losing interest, CEO worried
Concern is growing inside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office over declining enthusiasm among first-time voters. Sources said nearly 7.45 lakh young citizens have filed Form Six seeking enrolment, a figure officials feel should have been much higher. Many who recently turned eighteen have yet to apply. A large section comprises students studying outside the state, showing limited urgency to register. The situation gains significance as 58 lakh dead, permanently shifted, and absentee voters were deleted during the first phase of SIR. Notices have also been issued to over 1.5 crore voters under the discrepancy and unmapped categories.
HC tells govt: Keep Opposition safe
The Calcutta HC directed the West Bengal government to ensure the safety of opposition leaders across the state. Acting on a public interest litigation filed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, the court noted allegations of attacks and fabricated cases against MPs, MLAs and Union ministers. A division bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul said maintaining law and order is the state’s responsibility, and political rivalry cannot justify violence. The bench asked authorities to prevent any onslaught against opposition figures. The matter will be heard again on February 18, with the court seeking accountability from the administration.
New Kolkata CP shifts focus to traffic woes
The newly appointed Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar has prioritised improving traffic management in the city. Soon after assuming charge, he met senior officers of the Kolkata Traffic Police at Lalbazar and stressed the need for visible supervision on roads. Sarkar asked assistant commissioners and officers-in-charge to remain present during peak office hours, not just during school timings. Sources said senior traffic officials are often absent from busy stretches. The commissioner has directed the identification of chronic congestion zones and the preparation of a detailed report outlining corrective steps.
SUBHENDU MAITI
Our correspondent in West Bengal
subhendu.maiti@newindianexpress.com