EC bans bike rallies, curbs movement in West Bengal

In a sweeping pre-poll move, the Election Commission of India has imposed strict restrictions on two-wheelers, which include banning bike rallies, restricting night-time movement and limiting pillion riding across West Bengal, aiming to ensure peaceful and intimidation-free voting ahead of the Assembly elections. The curbs, which came into force on Tuesday-just two days before the first phase of polling on April 23-apply to all 152 constituencies going to the polls in this phase.

Under the order, bikes and scooters will not be allowed on roads between 6 pm and 6 am during this period, except in emergencies such as medical needs or family functions. The Commission has also imposed a blanket ban on bike rallies, citing concerns over intimidation and disruption of the electoral process. During the day, between 6 am and 6 pm, pillion riding will be prohibited, except for essential purposes such as medical emergencies, family functions, or activities like dropping and picking up schoolchildren. On polling day, limited relaxation has been granted. Family members will be allowed to travel as pillion riders between 6 am and 6 pm for voting and other essential requirements.

“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 the use of motorcycles are hereby imposed with immediate effect from polling day minus two onward,” the directive stated.

At Jorasanko in north Kolkata, where Mamata Banerjee addressed another public meeting, she criticised the Election Commission for imposing restrictions on riding motorcycles before polling days. “How will people commute, go home from work if they are not allowed to take their motorbikes out?” she said.

The Commission said the restrictions are aimed at preventing “any form of intimidation and source jamming” and ensuring a calm and conducive atmosphere for voters. Individuals seeking exemptions must obtain prior written permission from their local police station. Explaining the rationale, officials said the measures are designed to prevent “any form of intimidation and source jamming” and to create an environment for voters.

An EC official noted that motorcycles are often used by political operatives to transport cash or liquor through narrow lanes, bypassing checkpoints focused on larger vehicles. Groups of bikes, the official added, can also be deployed to influence or intimidate voters in sensitive areas, as per reports. Earlier addressing an election rally in Purba Medinipur district’s Chandipur, which borders Suvendu Adhikari’s stronghold Nandigram, Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that goons enjoying Trinamool Congress patronage would have no place to hide after the West Bengal polls and urged the electorate to vote without fear since Central forces would be keeping a close watch on such miscreants.

A record 2,450 companies of Central paramilitary forces that comprise nearly 2.5 lakh personnel have been deployed by the Election Commission for the West Bengal Assembly polls. He warned the “TMC’s goons who tortured BJP workers” to find a place to hide. “After May 5, when results are declared, they will have no place to run,” he said. “Bhaipo (nephew) will not be Bengal’s future CM.

He has already purchased his ticket to leave the state after May 4,” Shah said.