Parts of Calcutta will vote in the fourth phase of the Assembly elections on Saturday. A ready reckoner of things one needs to know before stepping out of home on the polling day.

⚫ Some of the constituencies going to the polls: Kasba, Jadavpur, Tollygunge, Behala East, Behala West and Metiabruz

⚫ Voting starts at: 7am

⚫ Voting ends at: Officially 6.30pm. Voters who queue up outside their polling booth before 6.30pm will be allowed to cast their vote, however long it takes to complete the process.

⚫ Will there be any restrictions in areas going to the polls?

Yes. Usually, Section 144 of the CrPC is imposed on the area that falls within 100 metres of a polling booth. In case of a sensitive booth, the radius is extended to 200 metres. Police are supposed to prevent assemblies in areas close to polling booths.

⚫ Will there be any restrictions in areas adjoining the constituencies that are going to the polls?

No, except restrictions on sale of liquor.

⚫ Dry day restrictions: Liquor shops in Assembly constituencies going to the polls and the ones in the adjoining constituencies will remain closed from 6.30pm on Thursday till the end of voting on Saturday.

According to orders issued by the state excise department, all categories of retail excise licensed premises shall remain closed in the Kasba, Behala Paschim, Metiabruz, Rashbehari, Calcutta Port and Ballygunge Assembly constituencies from 6.30pm on Thursday till the end of elections on April 10. Restaurants that are licensed to serve liquor may remain open but will not be able to serve liquor during this period.

⚫ How much cash can I carry if I have to travel through or near a constituency going to the polls?

Carrying up to Rs 50,000 is permissible. Any amount more than that will need to be explained with documents, citing the source and destination of the money.

If the person fails to explain the source and destination of the cash, the police will seize the money and may refer the case to the income tax department. If someone is caught by the police carrying more than Rs 10 lakh, it is mandatory to inform the IT department. The department will initiate a probe into the ownership of the cash.

⚫ Is there any restriction on carrying jewellery?

No. But if the police spot anyone carrying more than 1kg jewellery, they have to refer the matter to the income tax department.

⚫ Will public transport be available in and around the areas going to the polls?

Sources in the transport department said fewer vehicles would be available because many had been requisitioned for the elections.

⚫ Do I need to carry any identity document while travelling through a constituency where elections will be held or adjoining areas?

As outsiders are not allowed in areas where elections are held, one should ideally carry an identity proof when traveling through such areas.

⚫ What documents do I need to carry while going to the polling station?

The voter will have to present the electoral photo identity card (EPIC) or any of the following identity documents:

⚫ Aadhaar card

⚫ Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) Job Card

⚫ Passbooks with photograph issued by banks/post office

⚫ Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of ministry of labour

⚫Driving licence

⚫ PAN card

⚫ Smart card issued by registrar general of India (RGI) under National Population Register (NPR)

⚫ Indian passport

⚫ Pension document with photograph

⚫ Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by central/state government/PSUs/public limited companies

⚫ Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs

⚫ Is there any restriction on going to vote in groups?

People going to vote in large groups may be questioned as large gatherings are not allowed in a zone where Section 144 of the CrPC is in force. It is better not to go in large groups unless they are members of the same family.

⚫ Will there be any restriction in parking outside the polling booth?

No vehicle will be allowed within a radius of 200 metre of any polling station.

⚫ Can an umbrella and a water bottle be carried to the polling booth?

Yes

⚫ Where to report if I feel intimidated by someone while going to vote?

One can call up the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the police helpline numbers to report issues related to the elections.

⚫ ECI helpline:1950

In the Calcutta police area: Lalbazar control room — 033-22143230 /033-22141310