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EC Mandates CAPF Route Marches in Bengal by March 14 for Poll Security

The Election Commission has directed the West Bengal administration to complete the first phase of Central Armed Police Force route marches and area domination exercises across all districts by March 14. A total of 480 companies of CAPF have already been deployed in the state in two batches. The ECI has also appointed retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as the central observer for the forthcoming Assembly polls, citing satisfaction with his prior performance. Furthermore, the Commission has sought details of police station officers-in-charge from districts that witnessed large-scale post-poll violence after the 2021 elections.

Key Points: EC Directs CAPF Route Marches in Bengal by March 14

  • Mandatory CAPF route marches by March 14
  • 480 CAPF companies deployed in Bengal
  • Subrata Gupta appointed central observer
  • Details sought on police from 2021 post-poll violence
  • Area domination in all 294 constituencies
2 min read

Bengal polls: EC directs state administration to mandatorily conduct CAPF route marches by March 14

Election Commission orders mandatory CAPF route marches in West Bengal by March 14 and appoints a central observer for the Assembly polls.

"The ECI had on Tuesday directed the state government to ensure that the first phase of route marches... are conducted... by 8 p.m. on March 14 - Insider, CEO's Office"

Kolkata, March 10

The Election Commission of India, on Tuesday, directed the West Bengal administration to mandatorily complete the first phase of conducting the route marches and area domination exercises of the available Central Armed Police Force personnel in all districts of the state by March 14.

Already, a total of 480 companies of the CAPF have arrived in West Bengal in two separate batches.

"The ECI had on Tuesday directed the state government to ensure that the first phase of route marches and area domination exercises are conducted in each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in the state by 8 p.m. on March 14," an insider from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

The ECI had already completed the district-wise process of allotment of the available 480 companies of CAPF.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the ECI had also announced that retired IAS officers from West Bengal cadre, Subrata Gupta, who had been the acting special roll observer for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), will also be appointed the central observer for the forthcoming state Assembly polls.

The CEO's office said that the ECI is extremely happy with Subrata Gupta's performance so far as the special roll observer during the SIR process, and therefore it has decided to appoint him as the central observer for the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.

At the same time, the ECI, on Tuesday, had sought the details of officers-in-charge of police stations in those districts in West Bengal where large scale post-poll violence took place after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Commission, on Tuesday, had sought the details of these policemen from the Acting Director General of West Bengal Police, Peeyush Pandey.

Apart from that, the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has sought the details of the immediate higher-ups of those officers-in-charge at that point in time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While security is important, I hope the route marches are conducted respectfully and don't feel like an occupation force in our neighborhoods. The goal should be confidence, not fear. 🤞
R
Rohit P
480 companies! That's a huge number. The EC is clearly not taking any chances this time. The focus on police officers from violent areas is also crucial. Accountability is key.
A
Anjali F
Appointing a retired IAS officer from the state cadre as central observer is a smart decision. Someone who knows the local dynamics can be more effective. Hope it ensures a free and fair poll.
D
David E
Observing from outside, it's concerning that such extensive central force deployment is needed for a state election. It speaks volumes about the political climate there. Hope democracy prevails peacefully.
K
Karthik V
The directive has a deadline - March 14. EC means business. This "area domination" exercise needs to be visible to the common voter like me, so we feel safe to go out and vote without worry.
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Nisha Z
I have a respectful criticism. While post-poll accountability is good, shouldn't the EC and state police have ensured this preparedness and vigilance *before* the 2021 violence? Reactive measures are less effective than proactive ones.

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

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