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Bengal Polls: CAPF Deployment Hinges on State Police Distribution

The Election Commission of India has stated that the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections will be determined by the extent of state police personnel deployment. An estimate suggests around 240,000 CAPF personnel might be needed, which is double the average of the last four elections. This increased requirement is due to the possibility of conducting the polls in just one or two phases, compared to seven or eight previously. A key advantage of fewer phases is preventing the inter-pocket mobilization of supporters by political parties to intimidate voters.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: CAPF Deployment Based on State Police Force

  • CAPF deployment tied to state police availability
  • Up to 240,000 CAPF personnel may be required
  • Polls may be held in one or two phases
  • Outsider mobilisation a key concern addressed
2 min read

Bengal polls: CAPF deployment to be determined by extent of state police distribution

Election Commission clarifies CAPF numbers for West Bengal elections will depend on state police deployment, with up to 240,000 personnel possibly required.

"The advantage is that political parties will not be able to mobilise their supporters from one pocket to another - CEO's office source"

Kolkata, Jan 8

The Election Commission of India has clarified that the precise deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal will be determined by the extent to which state police personnel can be deployed for poll-related security.

The determining factor will also be on how and where the available state police personnel will be deployed by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, for election-related security.

Sources in the CEO's office said an estimate has been drawn that around 35,000 personnel from the West Bengal Police, Kolkata, and other Police Commissionerates in the state could be deployed for election-related security.

Based on the estimate, the CEO's office has also given an estimate that around 2,000 companies of CAPF, which is roughly around 2,40,000 personnel, might be required, which will be double than the average of 1,000 companies during the last four elections in the state.

This time, the requirement for CAPF deployment would be more, considering the suggestion to complete the polls in one or a maximum of two phases, compared to seven to eight phases during the last four elections.

"In case there is any shortage for the required deployment of CAPF, considering that there will be Assembly polls in three other states and one union territory at the same time, the deficit could be met through the deployment of personnel from state police forces from other states," a CEO's office source explained.

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, intimidating the voters," the source pointed out.

However, that single-phase or two-phase polling would require a larger deployment of CAPF, especially on the polling day. "If the CECI can ensure that arrangement, the idea of a single-phase or two-phase poll is quite feasible," the CEO's office source explained.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Doubling the CAPF deployment compared to previous elections? That's a massive number. It clearly shows the concerns about law and order. A single or two-phase poll is good to prevent voter intimidation, but the logistical challenge is huge. Hope the planning is meticulous.
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Rohit P
While central forces are necessary, I have a respectful criticism. There's always a narrative that state police cannot be trusted. This undermines our federal structure. The article says 35,000 state personnel are available - they should be given primary responsibility. Over-reliance on CAPF sets a bad precedent.
A
Ananya R
The key point is stopping outsider mobilization on polling day. If a single phase can achieve that, it's worth the extra security cost and effort. Voters should feel safe to choose freely, without fear. That's the bedrock of democracy.
D
David E
Interesting read. The scale of Indian elections is always mind-boggling. Coordinating polls in multiple states and deploying nearly a quarter-million central police personnel for just one state... it's an enormous administrative feat. The planning involved must be incredible.
K
Karthik V
Bringing in police from other states if there's a CAPF shortage is a practical solution. Our police forces work well together during such national events. The focus should solely be on a free, fair, and violence-free election. Bengal needs stability.

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