Election Commission Restricts Hotel Accommodation for Non-Residents in West Bengal Ahead of Polls
Poll Body Bans Outsiders From Hotels In Bengal Ahead Of Polling
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The Election Commission of India has mandated that hotels in West Bengal must not accommodate non-residents of local constituencies during the pre-poll period, effective from 6 pm on Tuesday until polling concludes. This measure aims to ensure a fair election environment, but has raised concerns among local hoteliers about operational challenges.
- 01Hotels in West Bengal are prohibited from accommodating non-residents during the pre-poll period.
- 02The restriction is enforced in key tourist areas like Digha and Mandarmani.
- 03Local hotel associations have expressed concerns about operational difficulties caused by the directive.
- 04The Election Commission's guidelines aim to prevent undue influence during elections.
- 05The assembly elections in West Bengal will occur in two phases on April 23 and 29.
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Ahead of the assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission has directed that hotels must not allow non-residents to stay during the pre-poll period, effective from 6 pm on Tuesday until polling ends on Wednesday. This directive applies particularly to tourist areas such as Digha, Shankarpur, Tajpur, and Mandarmani, which fall under the Ramnagar Assembly constituency. Niranjan Kumar, the District Magistrate of East Midnapore, confirmed that only residents of the constituency will be permitted accommodation. In addition, similar restrictions have been issued in Jalpaiguri district, where hotels have been notified to comply with Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Greater Siliguri Hotelier Welfare Association has raised concerns regarding the operational impact of this order, highlighting issues with existing bookings and the potential distress caused to guests. The Election Commission's guidelines aim to maintain a level playing field by restricting the presence of outsiders during the critical period before elections. The assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
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The restrictions could lead to significant operational challenges for local hoteliers and distress for guests with existing bookings, impacting the hospitality sector in the region.
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