ECI orders 12-hour motorcycle ban in Bengal before polling phases

The article notes that the ECI is deploying a large number of paramilitary officers in Bengal, described as the largest deployment in the state, significantly more than in Manipur, intended to prevent violence and ensure orderly campaigning.

The article states that critics describe Bengal polls as a test for the Election Commission, referencing earlier coverage that highlighted disruptions and controversy around the process, including mass voter deletions, non-functioning tribunals, translation software faults, and large-scale officer transfers.

The article reports that the Election Commission of India intends to prohibit the use of motorcycles by genuine commuters, consumers, and delivery personnel—and their pillion riders—from 6pm to 6am for 12 hours on each polling phase in West Bengal. The measure would affect the greater Kolkata region. The article frames the order as an attempt to discipline campaigning amid a culture of bike rallies used to project political dominance before voting day. Critics argue the policy harasses ordinary citizens and point to perceptions of excessive security measures; the piece notes that Bengal has seen controversies during the run-up, including voter deletions under a 'logical discrepancy' category, non-functioning tribunals, translation software faults, and large-scale officer transfers, claimed to be greater than in other states.