In a bid to ensure peaceful assembly elections, the Election Commission has greenlit the largest-ever security deployment in West Bengal: 2,400 companies comprising CAPF, IRB, and other armed police from various states. This comes as the state braces for two crucial voting phases on April 23 and 29.
The decision was announced late Friday, highlighting the ECI’s proactive stance against violence witnessed in recent polls. Currently, 480 CAPF units are already on the ground. After the final phase ends on April 29, 200 companies will secure electoral assets like EVMs and strong rooms through counting day.
To curb post-poll chaos—reminiscent of 2021 and 2024 incidents—another 500 CAPF companies will linger until further orders. The balance of 1,700 units will return home post-polling.
West Bengal’s administration has been tasked with crafting a comprehensive deployment strategy, covering everything from transport to housing, in tandem with security agencies. CRPF will oversee CAPF logistics, led by IG Shalbh Mathur as the nodal officer.
This mammoth exercise reflects lessons learned from past unrest, aiming to shield democracy from intimidation. With elections around the corner, all eyes are on how this force will be distributed across volatile districts. The ECI’s message is clear: no room for lawlessness.
Stakeholders hope this will boost voter confidence, particularly in areas prone to booth capturing and clashes. A secure poll process could set a benchmark for other states facing similar challenges.