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Bengal May See Single-Phase Polls, Needs 2,500 CAPF Companies

The Election Commission of India has estimated a requirement of 2,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces if the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections are held in a single phase. This figure is significantly higher than the 1,099 companies deployed for the eight-phase 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the state. While a single-phase election could prevent the mobilization of outsiders to intimidate voters, it poses a major logistical challenge for security force deployment. The final decision on the number of phases will depend on the Commission's assessment of whether such a large CAPF arrangement is feasible.

Key Points: Bengal Single-Phase Polls Need 2,500 CAPF Companies

  • 2,500 CAPF companies needed for single-phase
  • Final decision rests with ECI
  • Phases likely fewer than past elections
  • Aims to prevent voter intimidation
  • Deployment feasibility key factor
2 min read

2,500 CAPF companies needed if Bengal polls are held in single phase, as per ECI estimate

ECI estimates 2,500 CAPF companies needed for single-phase Bengal polls, a major increase from previous elections. Decision pending.

"Based on the recommendation for a single-phase poll, the Commission made an initial calculation for the CAPF requirement - ECI Source"

Kolkata, Feb 26

Around 2500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces will be needed if the Bengal Assembly polls are held in single phase, according to initial estimate by the Election Commission of India.

The proposal for a single- phase poll had gone to the ECI's headquarters in New Delhi from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, in Kolkata, though the latter had maintained that the final decision in this matter would be taken by the Commission.

"Based on the recommendation for a single-phase poll, the Commission made an initial calculation for the CAPF requirement in case of that eventuality and had estimated that 2,500 companies would be required in case of a single-phase. Now, the Commission might take up the matter with the Union Minister of Home Affairs on whether those 2,500 companies of CAPF could be arranged or not, and based on the outcome, the number of phases would be decided," said source in the Commission.

However, he added, that even if a single-phase poll is not possible, the number of phases this time would be much less than the last few polls in West Bengal, which were either seven-phase or eight-phase polls.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which were the last major election in the state, there was eight-phase polling, and then, 1,099 companies of CAPF were deployed. In the 2011 West Bengal assembly elections, there was again a two-phase polling, and then 725 companies of CAPF were deployed.

The last time there was single-phase polling in West Bengal was in the 2001 state Assembly elections.

The eventuality of a single-phase poll in West Bengal will have both its advantages and disadvantages.

"The advantage is that political parties will not be able to mobilise their supporters from one pocket to another and thus address the traditional complaint of outsider mobilization on the polling day or the day before that, intimidating the voters," sources in the CEO's office said.

However, that single-phase would require a larger deployment of CAPF, especially on the polling day. "If the Commission can ensure that arrangement, the idea of a single-phase is quite feasible," sources in the CEO's office said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a massive logistical challenge. Where will they find 2500 companies? It's not just about numbers, it's about effective deployment. Maybe fewer phases, like 2 or 3, is a more practical middle path. We don't want exhausted forces on polling day.
R
Rohit P
Finally some sense! 8 phases was too much, it felt like the election season never ended. A single phase will save public money, reduce political tension duration, and give a clear result quickly. The Home Ministry must support the ECI on this. 🙏
S
Sarah B
While the intention is good, I have a respectful criticism. Concentrating all security on one day might leave some remote areas vulnerable if forces are stretched thin. A two-phase poll with robust forces in each might be a safer bet for maximum coverage.
V
Vikram M
The comparison says it all. 1099 companies for 8 phases in Lok Sabha vs 2500 for 1 phase now. It shows how volatile the situation has become. Bengal needs this heavy deployment for a free & fair poll. Hope the "outsider mobilization" menace ends this time.
K
Kavya N
As a Bengali, I just want peace. Whether it's 1 phase or 3, the most important thing is that my elderly parents can vote without fear. The ECI and CAPF have a tough job, but we citizens are counting on them. All the best to the forces! 🇮🇳

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