ECI Suspends House-to-House Survey in Six West Bengal Districts Ahead of Bye-Elections

Directive from Election Commission

On October 22, 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) instructed the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal to postpone the house-to-house survey under the Rural Housing Scheme in six districts. This decision comes in light of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which is in effect for the upcoming bye-elections.

The affected districts include Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra. The ECI’s communication, issued via a letter, specifies that the survey will remain on hold until the polls in these constituencies have concluded.

Details of the ECI Communication

The letter from the ECI, dated October 22, references a previous letter from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer dated October 17, 2024. In the correspondence, the ECI noted, “I am directed to refer to your letter No. 5260-Home (Elec) dated 17.10.2024, on the subject cited and to state that the Commission has no objection to undertake house-to-house survey in the State of West Bengal except in the areas where MCC is enforced with effect from 15.10.2024 (date of announcement).”

Furthermore, it was clarified that the house-to-house survey will not resume in the regions under MCC until after the elections are completed in the specified constituencies.

Upcoming Bye-Elections

The bye-elections for the six assembly seats in West Bengal—Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (Scheduled Caste), and Madarihat (Scheduled Tribe)—are scheduled to take place on November 13, 2024. These elections will be conducted under the guidelines outlined by the ECI.

Model Code of Conduct Explained

The Model Code of Conduct, as established by the ECI, sets forth the framework of guidelines intended for candidates and political parties during the election period. It becomes effective as soon as the election schedule is announced and continues to hold until the election results are declared.