KOLKATA – Top brass from India’s premier central police forces assembled in Kolkata Sunday, reviewing comprehensive security protocols ahead of West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections. The joint conclave at CRPF’s Salt Lake facility brought together DGs of CRPF, BSF, CISF, SSB, ITBP, alongside state police and EC observers, highlighting unprecedented coordination for poll safety.
At stake is the smooth conduct of elections in 152 seats, starting with Phase 1 on April 23. Discussions zeroed in on deploying Quick Reaction Teams, sabotage prevention drills, and tech-enabled surveillance to neutralize threats in vulnerable areas. The goal: Empower every citizen to vote fearlessly.
CRPF’s IG Salabh Mathur led the charge, with CISF chief Praveer Ranjan delivering a rallying call. ‘We’re not just securing polls; we’re protecting democracy’s core – the voter’s voice,’ he declared. ‘Think of yourselves as a single, cohesive ‘Election Force,’ leveraging technology and discipline to excel.’
Emphasis was laid on rigorous monitoring of hotspots, strict protocol compliance via the ECI handbook, and exemplary leadership from supervisory ranks. This pre-poll huddle isn’t just strategy – it’s a morale booster, assuring the public of a vigilant shield against disruptions.
As deployment ramps up, the CAPF’s collective resolve promises a secure electoral landscape, blending human resolve with cutting-edge tools. West Bengal voters can step into booths with confidence, backed by this ironclad security apparatus.
