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Bengal 2026 Polls: ECI To Use 2014-2023 Violence Data For CAPF Deployment

The Election Commission of India will use police station-wise reports of election-related violence from seven state and national polls held since 2014 to plan Central Armed Police Force deployment for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. This data includes casualty figures and the status of known offenders. The ECI is considering conducting the polls in one or two phases, a significant reduction from previous multi-phase elections, which would require a larger but more concentrated CAPF presence. The final voter list will be published on February 14, after which election dates are expected to be announced.

Key Points: ECI To Use Past Poll Violence Data For Bengal 2026 Security Plan

  • Violence data from 7 polls since 2014 under review
  • PS-wise casualty & history-sheeter reports sought
  • Single or two-phase election being considered
  • CAPF deployment expected to be significantly higher
3 min read

Poll-violence since 2014 to determine CAPF deployment for 2026 Bengal Assembly elections

Election Commission to analyze violence records from 7 elections since 2014 to determine CAPF deployment for 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

"Depending on the evaluation... the Commission will decide not only on the number of companies of CPAF to be deployed... but also on the distribution - CEO's office insider"

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

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
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. 🙏
S
Sarah B
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.
A
Aman W
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.
K
Kavitha C
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.
V
Varun X
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.

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