Kolkata: Central forces moved into residential complexes across the city on the eve of polling, taking charge of booths set up inside community halls — part of a first-time experiment that will see 57 gated complexes hosting polling stations this election.At Silver Spring off Bypass, a four-member contingent of central forces took control of booth 172 inside the complex’s community hall, which falls under the Entally assembly constituency. The personnel are expected to remain stationed inside the booth through polling day, securing the premises.Residents say the presence of polling booths within their complexes could significantly improve voter turnout. “We have arranged mattresses, blankets, pillows, drinking water and other essentials for the forces. They have clarified that while the booth and its immediate vicinity will remain restricted, residents are free to move in and out of the complex. This is new for us, and I believe many who earlier skipped voting due to the distance to booths outside will now come out and vote,” said Ashok Baid, a senior member of the residents’ welfare association.A similar sense of anticipation was evident at Rail Vihar Housing Complex near Ruby Hospital, another first-time polling venue. “The forces have taken charge and are already conducting patrols within the premises. Polling officials began arriving by evening, and we have arranged for accommodation for them in the recreation room. They have assured us that residents can move freely for work or voting. We have advised everyone to carry identity cards,” said resident Manik Lal Ghosh.In a significant shift in polling logistics, the EC has designated 57 high-rise residential complexes across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas as polling locations, each catering to between 300 and 500 voters.Officials reiterated on Monday that there will be no restrictions on entry into these complexes on polling day. However, access to the booths themselves will remain limited to authorised personnel and registered voters, with non-residents barred from entering the polling areas.At Balaka Housing Complex in New Town, where 520 residents will cast vote, preparations were on in full swing as forces arrived on Tuesday. “The forces are already here, and polling staff are expected by night. Our security personnel will coordinate with them to guard the gates through the night and ensure that only poll agents and officials enter the premises in morning to take charge of the booths,” said Rakesh Gupta, a resident.
