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Bengal Polls: ECI Deploys Central Forces Before Dates Announced

The Election Commission of India has announced an early deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the West Bengal Assembly elections, beginning March 1, prior to the declaration of polling dates. A total of 480 companies will be deployed in two initial phases on March 1 and March 10, with 240 companies in each phase. The first phase includes forces from CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, with the CRPF designated to coordinate the overall movement and deployment. The de-induction process for these forces will be communicated at a later date as per the Commission's notification.

Key Points: ECI Deploys CAPF in Bengal Before Poll Dates Announced

  • CAPF deployment before poll dates
  • Two-phase plan starting March 1
  • 480 total companies to be deployed
  • CRPF to coordinate movement
  • De-induction plan to follow
2 min read

Bengal Assembly elections: ECI announces CAPF deployment even before declaration of poll dates

Election Commission deploys 480 CAPF companies in two phases for Bengal elections, starting March 1, even before poll dates and model code of conduct.

"The deployment of CAPF will be done in two phases, the first on March 1, which is before the announcement of the poll date - ECI Notification"

Kolkata, Feb 21

The Election Commission of India, on Saturday, announced the deployment Central Armed Police Forces even before the declaration of the polling dates and enforcement of the model code of conduct for the West Bengal elections.

According to a notification issued by the ECI, the deployment of CAPF will be done in two phases, the first on March 1, which is before the announcement of the poll date and the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

The second phase of CAPF deployment will be held on March 10, by which time the polling dates will probably be announced and the model code of conduct will be in force.

As per indications so far, the ECI is expected to announce the polling days immediately after Holi.

As per the notification, there will be a total deployment of 480 companies in these two initial phases on March 1 and March 10, with 240 companies in each phase.

The first phase of 240 companies that will be deployed on March 1, will include 110 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 companies of Border Security Force (BSF), 21 companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 companies of Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), and 27 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The second phase of 240 companies that will be deployed on March 10, will include 120 companies of CRPF, 65 companies of BSF, 16 companies of CISF, 20 companies of ITBP, and 19 companies of SSB.

De-induction of these 480 companies, that is the process of removing troops, equipment, or personnel from a specific area, will be intimated in due course of time, as per the ECI's notification.

The Commission, at the same time, had directed the West Bengal government to work out the detailed deployment plan, in consultation with the respective CAPFs and their chief force coordinators.

The movement and deployment will be coordinated by the CRPF, the Commission clarified.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the detailed breakdown of forces. 480 companies is a massive number. It shows how seriously the Commission is taking the security situation. Hope this deters any troublemakers.
P
Priyanka N
While security is paramount, deploying forces before announcing dates and MCC feels a bit heavy-handed. Could send the wrong message. The focus should be on creating a level playing field, not just a militarized one.
A
Aman W
Good move. Last time there was so much "goonda raj" and booth capturing. Common voters like us need to feel safe to go out and vote. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Coordination by CRPF makes sense. They have the experience. Hope the state government cooperates fully. The people of Bengal deserve a peaceful election after all the political drama.
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Nisha Z
Announcement after Holi... so we have a little time. But deploying from March 1st itself? The expenses for this are huge. Is it really needed so early? Taxpayer's money should be used wisely.

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