West Bengal Election: Tourists Ordered to Vacate Coastal Areas Ahead of Polls

In a historic move, the Election Commission of West Bengal has mandated the evacuation of tourists from popular coastal areas ahead of the assembly elections. This unprecedented order aims to prevent potential disturbances during the voting process. Tourists are required to leave locations such as Digha and Mandarmani by Tuesday evening, with strict penalties for non-compliance. The directive also prohibits political campaigners from staying in the region, highlighting the commission's commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment. This decision reflects growing concerns about maintaining order during the crucial voting period.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 13:11 IST

Election Commission's Unprecedented Directive

In a significant move ahead of the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission has issued a unique order. This directive mandates the evacuation of tourist spots in the state.

According to the commission's instructions, tourists and non-residents are required to vacate popular coastal locations in East Midnapore, including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Udaypur, and Shankarpur. An order from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal has also instructed hotels to ensure that no non-resident individuals stay in their rooms. This arrangement will be in effect from Tuesday evening at 6 PM until the conclusion of voting on April 23.

The coastal region of East Midnapore attracts visitors year-round and is among the most frequented destinations in West Bengal. With this order, tourist activities in the area will effectively cease for 48 hours. This extensive restriction impacts not only the basic facilities related to voting but also the hospitality sector.

Restrictions on Campaigners as Well
The election body's unprecedented order also explicitly prohibits political party campaigners from remaining in the area during this period. It states that violating this order will be considered a punishable offense under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes a jail term of 6 to 12 months for disobeying an order issued by a public servant.

Public Announcements Initiated
Following the official directive from the election body, police stations covering Digha, Digha Mohana, and Mandarmani began making public announcements via loudspeakers on Monday night, urging tourists to vacate these locations by Tuesday evening at 6 PM. Hotels have also been instructed not to accommodate any outsiders.

All tourist spots affected by this order fall within the Ramnagar assembly constituency, previously represented by Trinamool Congress's three-time MLA, Akhil Giri.

First of Its Kind Order
A senior official from the Chief Electoral Officer's office explained, “The rationale behind asking genuine tourists to leave is the concern that some outsiders, intending to create disturbances, might enter the district under the guise of tourism and incite chaos during the voting process.” This order for tourists to vacate is the first of its kind issued by the Election Commission during an assembly election.