Kolkata, Apr 22 (PTI) West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer partially relaxed restrictions on motorcycle movement during the polling period for the 2026 assembly elections, allowing office-goers travelling on two-wheelers to commute on production of valid identity cards, an official said on Wednesday.
In a revised order issued to all district election officers, police commissioners and superintendents of police, CEO Manoj Agarwal said the exemption would apply from two days before polling and on polling day, when curbs on motorcycle riding and rallies are to remain in force to ensure “free, fair, peaceful and violence-free elections”.
The order said that service providers attached to app-based delivery platforms had already been kept outside the ambit of the restrictions, and office-bound riders carrying proper identification would now also be exempted.
Field officers have been asked to verify the genuineness of such claims before allowing the exemption.
“This measure is being taken to maintain a conducive and humane atmosphere for voters and the general public,” the order said.
The revised directive came amid concerns in some districts over the possible misuse of motorcycles for voter intimidation and unlawful mobilisation during the election period.
On Monday, the CEO instructed all district election officers, police commissioners and superintendents to impose curbs on motorcycle movement two days before polling.
Accordingly, the Kolkata Police on Tuesday issued a notification stating that no motorbike rallies will be allowed from April 27.
Motorbike movement will remain prohibited during night hours, barring cases such as medical emergencies or family exigencies, it said.
No pillion riding will be allowed between 6 am and 6 pm during the period, except for medical emergencies, family functions and for dropping off or picking up schoolchildren.
On polling day, however, family members will be permitted to travel as pillion riders between 6 am and 6 pm to enable voting.
Police said those seeking exemptions would need prior written permission from the local police station.
The restrictions will apply across the Kolkata metropolitan area and parts of South 24 Parganas that fall under Kolkata Police jurisdiction.
Officials said the measures were aimed at ensuring free, fair and peaceful polling, and preventing intimidation or untoward incidents.
Kolkata will vote in the second phase of the elections on April 29, while the first phase of polling in the state is scheduled for April 23. PTI SCH NN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.