West Bengal Elections 2026: Elephant Deployed to Access Remote Polling Booth in North Bengal
In an unusual but practical development during the West Bengal Assembly elections, a trained elephant named Ramlalwas deployed to assist election officials in reaching a remote polling station in a forested region of North Bengal on Thursday.
Key Highlights
- Elephant used by forest officials to access hard-to-reach polling booth.
- Deployment took place in a forested and remote area with limited road connectivity.
- Polling continued peacefully despite challenging terrain.
- Incident drew attention among local voters and officials.
Official Statement
Officials involved in the exercise said such arrangements are occasionally required in forest and hilly regions where standard transport options are not viable. They noted that trained elephants are part of the forest department’s operational resources and can be used to move personnel and equipment safely in difficult terrain.
Context / Background
Conducting elections in geographically challenging areas remains a key logistical task for authorities. In states like West Bengal, certain districts include dense forests and limited infrastructure, making access to polling booths difficult.
To ensure inclusivity, the Election Commission of India mandates that polling stations be set up within reachable distances for voters, even in remote areas. This often requires innovative transport solutions, including the use of animals, boats, or temporary pathways.
Public Impact
The use of the elephant enabled election staff to reach the polling booth and carry out their duties without delays. For local voters, it ensured that the voting process remained accessible despite the region’s terrain.
While the presence of the elephant drew curiosity, authorities confirmed that polling proceeded smoothly and peacefully, with residents turning up to cast their votes.
The deployment of “Ramlal” underscores the logistical complexity of conducting large-scale elections in remote regions. As polling continues across the state, officials are expected to maintain similar adaptive measures to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by: Pushkarini Annabathula
Also Read : CTET RESULT 2026 EXPECTED SOON: CBSE LIKELY TO ANNOUNCE FEBRUARY EXAM RESULTS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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Last Updated on: Thursday, April 23, 2026 5:07 pm by Pushkarini Annabathula | Published by: Pushkarini Annabathula on Thursday, April 23, 2026 5:07 pm | News Categories: Latest
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