Bengal elections: EC announces restrictions on motorcycles, pillion riders ahead of polling

With two days to go for the first phase of polling in West Bengal, the Election Commission on Monday announced several restrictions in the state.

Among the curbs is a ban on motorcycles on roads during the night and tourists not being allowed to visit Digha, a popular beach destination in the state.

Polling in the state will take place in two phases on Thursday and April 29. While curbs ahead of phase one began on Tuesday, phase two curbs will begin from April 27.

Ban on motorcycles

Motorcycles will not be allowed on the roads between 6 pm and 6 am starting two days before the polling for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, The Telegraph quoted Election Commission officials as saying on Monday.

In a directive, the poll panel further said that pillion riders will not be allowed during the relaxation window between 6 am and 6 pm, except in medical emergencies, for family functions or for dropping and picking up children from school.

“In order to ensure free, fair, peaceful and violence-free elections... in the state and to prevent any form of intimidation and source jamming… restrictions on use of motorcycles are hereby imposed with immediate effect from polling day minus two onward,” the newspaper quoted...

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