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Bengal CEO to Push for Single-Phase Polls, More Central Forces in ECI Meet

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, is attending a key Election Commission meeting in Delhi to discuss Central Armed Police Force requirements for the upcoming state Assembly polls. The state's case is considered special, with the CEO expected to argue for completing the election in one or a maximum of two phases, necessitating greater CAPF deployment than in previous multi-phase elections. The meeting will also review booth-wise law and order summaries and strategize on preventing the use of unaccounted money and arms. With Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicating polls will conclude by April, discussions will include sealing borders and heightened surveillance.

Key Points: Bengal CEO at ECI Meet on CAPF Deployment for Assembly Polls

  • Crucial ECI meet on CAPF deployment
  • Push for single or two-phase polls
  • Highlighting West Bengal's special security needs
  • Focus on curbing money, arms, and criminal influence
2 min read

Bengal CEO to attend ECI meet today on CAPF deployment for Assembly polls

West Bengal CEO to attend ECI meeting on CAPF deployment, pushing for single-phase polls and heightened security for the upcoming Assembly elections.

"So naturally, more companies of CAPF deployment will be required this time - Source in CEO's office"

Kolkata, Jan 5

The Chief Electoral Office, West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, will attend a crucial meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, at the Election Commission of India's headquarters in Delhi to discuss the requirements for Central Armed Police Forces for the state's Assembly polls, scheduled this year.

The meeting will also be attended by the CEOs of the other poll-bound states, namely Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

However, sources in the CEO's office said the case for West Bengal is special, as the CEO is expected to highlight the requirement for additional CAPF deployment in the state's polls this time, considering the suggestion for a lesser number of voting phases compared to what they were in the previous Assembly elections in 2021 and 2015.

An insider from the CEO's office said the suggestion will be to complete the election in a single phase, and if not possible, in a maximum of two phases, but not more than that. "So naturally, more companies of CAPF deployment will be required this time than what they were in the last two Assembly polls. All these are scheduled to be discussed at the crucial meeting at ECI's office in New Delhi today," the source said.

In 2021, the Assembly elections were conducted in eight phases, with the first phase being on March 27 and the last phase on April 29.

In 2016, the elections were conducted in six phases, with the first phase divided into two days, effectively making it a seven-phase poll.

At the same time, he added, the CEO will also brief the ECI on a summary of booth-wise law and order situation in West Bengal, which has been collected from different district police authorities, Kolkata Police, and other police commissionerates.

"Discussion will also be held on the effective use of different Central and state police forces to check the use of unaccounted money in the polls, as well as the prevention of entry of arms and outsiders with past criminal antecedents. The issue of sealing of international borders, as well as increased surveillance at the state borders, will also be discussed, considering that just around three months are left for the polls," the source said.

During his recent three-day tour to West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Assembly polls will be completed by April this year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move! West Bengal elections are always tense. Having central forces is crucial for free and fair polls. The focus on sealing borders and checking money power is also very important. Voters deserve a peaceful environment to cast their vote without fear. 🙏
A
Aman W
While security is paramount, I hope this doesn't turn into an over-militarization of the election process. The presence of too many armed forces can be intimidating for ordinary voters. The ECI must strike a balance between security and ensuring a voter-friendly atmosphere.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see all poll-bound states meeting together. Hope the lessons and security plans are shared effectively. Tamil Nadu and Kerala usually have peaceful polls, but West Bengal and Assam have different challenges. A single-phase election would be a logistical marvel if pulled off!
V
Vikram M
The mention of international border sealing is key, especially for Bengal which shares a long border. Curbing the influx of illegal money, arms, and undesirable elements is half the battle won. Timely deployment and strict vigilance are needed. Jai Hind!
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Nikhil C
Eight phases in 2021 was too long and exhausting for everyone. If they can manage it securely in fewer phases, it's better for the economy and public life. But the CEO must be absolutely sure of the ground situation. Hope the district police reports are accurate and not politicized.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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