Poll-violence since 2014 to determine CAPF deployment for 2026 Bengal Assembly elections
Kolkata, Jan 15
The Election Commission of India will consider the record of election-related violence in the last seven elections in West Bengal since 2014 as the determining factor for the extent and pattern of Central Armed Police Force deployment for the 2026 Assembly polls in the state.
These seven elections, whose poll-violence records will be under ECI's consideration, include the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024, the state Assembly elections in 2016 and 2021, and the polls for the three-tier panchayat system in West Bengal in 2018 and 2023.
Accordingly, the ECI has sought the details of the police station (PS)-wise reports on the records of the poll-related violence in these seven polls, along with the details of casualties' figures during these elections, with immediate effect, said the sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.
The Commission, the source added, had also sought detailed PS-wise reports of the current status of history-sheeters in the matter.
"Depending on the evaluation of the PS-wise reports in the matter, the Commission will decide not only on the number of companies of CPAF to be deployed for the Assembly polls this year but also on the distribution of that deployment according to the sensitivity of the pockets and polling booths," a CEO's office insider said.
This time, the CPAF deployment is expected to be much more than what it had been during the previous elections, considering a suggestion had gone from the CEO's office to the ECI for completing the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls, in one or a maximum of two phases, compared to seven to eight phases in the last few elections.
Recently, the matter was discussed at a meeting at ECI's headquarters in New Delhi, which was chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, and attended by the CEOs from all poll-bound states and one union territory.
The CEO's office insider pointed out that the eventuality of a single-phase or two-phase poll in West Bengal in 2026 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 mobilisation on the polling day or the day before that, done to intimidate the voters," a CEO's office insider pointed out.
However, that single-phase or two-phase polling 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 or two-phase poll is quite feasible," the CEO's office insider explained.
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal is scheduled to conclude with the publication of the final voters' list on February 14. Shortly after that, the ECI is expected to announce the polling dates for the Assembly elections.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Single or two-phase polling is a great idea! It will stop the "seasonal migration" of muscle power from one phase to another, which has been a huge problem. Yes, it needs more forces, but if the Centre can provide them, it's worth it for peaceful voting. 🙏
While the intent is good, I'm concerned about the practicalities. Deploying such a large number of CAPF personnel is a massive logistical challenge. Also, past data might not fully predict new hotspots. The ECI must also focus on confidence-building measures for voters.
Finally! Action against history-sheeters is crucial. These local goons operating under political patronage are the root cause of booth capturing and intimidation. Police station-wise reports should name and shame them. No voter should fear going to the polling booth.
As a Bengali, I just want peace. We are tired of this "poll violence" brand. Our state has so much culture and potential. Let 2026 be the election where development, not fear, is the talking point. The ECI must ensure every vote is cast without pressure.
The plan sounds robust on paper. But the real test is impartial implementation on the ground. The state police and administration must cooperate fully with the CAPF. Any bias at the local level can undermine the entire exercise. Fingers crossed for a smooth election.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.