EC’s Duare Vote: Housing societies weigh pros & cons

Kolkata: Gated communities across the city are looking forward to assurance from the administration about the law-and-order situation on the campuses that will host polling booths and also see an inflow of "outsiders" who will enter the premises to cast votes. While some residents' welfare association (RWAs) members, especially senior citizens, are pointing out the convenience of ‘Duare Vote' (poll at doorstep), others are flagging concerns over safety and security on the campuses in case clashes break out.

Residents of Genexx Valley in Joka, have expressed apprehension following the requisition of their community hall by the Election Commission. The residents allege that the decision was implemented without adequately addressing their concerns or allowing sufficient time for the association to consult flat owners. Jayanto Bhattacharji, secretary of the Genexx Valley Association of Apartment Owners, said: "Our primary concern is that the presence of a polling station within the residential premises may compromise the privacy and security of the society. The entry of booth agents, political workers, and outsiders into the campus raises apprehensions about possible disturbances. In the event of any clash or untoward incident, there is a genuine fear of damage to property and disruption of normal life."


The residents of other complexes have similar concerns as they feel it goes against the "principles of gated society where outsiders' entry is restricted". At Uniworld City, security concerns have been keeping a section of residents on tenterhooks. "It is convenient for the elderly. However, many residents will have to go outside as their booths are at a local school. It would have been ideal had all the residents been able to cast their vote at the booth inside the complex itself," said a resident.

A polling booth will also be set up at the nearby Rosedale housing complex. There will be adequate security arrangements on the election day. "It will be convenient for those who will be casting their votes inside the housing complex. We hope the polling process will be peaceful," said Rosedale association president Manoj Sharma.

High-rises like Manjulika Housing 2 near Anandapur, Silver Spring on Bypass and Active Acres at Tangra are set to have polling booths for the first time on their campuses. "Our complex has about 800 voters and the elderly people will have the convenience of voting on the campus. We hope there will be no law-and-order issue," said Pradip Biswas, a resident of Manjulika Housing 2.

Ashok Baid, resident and board member of Silver Spring, said: "The administration has assured us that there will be no breach of security on the poll day." Subhasis Dey, a board member from Active Acres, added: "Cops and central force will be deployed along with poll officials on the campus. We have been told not to worry."
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