Kolkata: A fresh wave of confusion swept through several housing complexes on Tuesday after the EC barred “outsiders” from staying on the premises that will host polling booths during the mandatory silence period.The restriction, announced by Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal, will be in force from 6 pm on April 27 till the end of polling. Citing Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Agarwal said individuals who are not electors of the constituency cannot stay at such complexes during this period. “No outsiders who are not electors of that constituency can stay as guests in residential complexes where booths are located,” he said.The directive, however, has left residents grappling with practical concerns as a significant portion of occupants are either non-voters, voters registered in other constituencies, or temporary residents. At Rail Vihar near Ruby Hospital, a resident pointed to the ambiguity in implementation. “I am a voter of the booth located inside the complex, but my wife and her sister are registered voters in another constituency. Will they have to leave our home for two days?” he asked.Similar concerns were echoed at Silver Spring, where election officials and cops paid a visit earlier in the day as part of a voter awareness programme. Residents said even officials present during the interaction appeared uncertain about how the rule would be enforced. “With nearly 2,000 residents here and barely 600 registered voters, the rest include children, domestic helps, tenants and visiting relatives. Where are they supposed to go during this period?” asked resident Ashok Baid.
