West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : April 21: The pre-election move aimed at ensuring law and order during the upcoming polling process, the Election Commission has imposed strict restrictions on popular seaside tourist destinations in West Bengal, directing tourists to leave by Tuesday evening ahead of the first phase of voting.

Visitors staying in Digha, Mandarmani, and Tajpur must vacate the area by the stipulated deadline as part of enhanced security arrangements for the election period. The order clearly states that no outsiders, including political party workers or individuals from other districts, will be permitted to stay in these tourist zones until the completion of the first phase of polling.

Following the Commission’s notification, hotels and guest houses in the region have also informed visitors that no accommodation will be provided to outsiders from the afternoon of April 21 until April 23, when voting concludes. Authorities have emphasized that the decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and prevent any possible law-and-order issues during the sensitive election period.

The first phase of polling is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 23, across 152 assembly constituencies in the state. Several of these constituencies fall under the coastal belt of Purba Medinipur, including the Ramnagar assembly segment, which covers major tourist hubs such as Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Udaypur, and Shankarpur.

These coastal destinations, known for year-round tourist activity, are now under temporary restrictions as election authorities prioritise uninterrupted polling and security management. The curbs came into effect from Tuesday evening and will remain in force until the completion of voting on April 23.

Officials have further warned that any violation of the order will be treated as a punishable offence under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Law enforcement agencies and local administration have already begun implementing the directive, including public announcements and monitoring of hotels to ensure compliance.

The Election Commission’s decision reflects heightened vigilance ahead of the polls, with authorities focusing on preventing any external interference and maintaining a peaceful voting environment across sensitive regions of the state.