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Record 2,400 Security Companies Deployed for Bengal's Two-Phase Polls

The Election Commission of India will deploy a record 2,400 companies of central and state security forces across two phases of the West Bengal Assembly polls. The first phase is on April 23, followed by the second on April 29, with 480 companies already in advance deployment. After polling, 200 companies will remain for EVM security, while 500 will stay to prevent a repeat of past post-poll violence. Inspector General Shalabh Mathur of the CRPF has been appointed as the State Force Coordinator to manage the massive security operation.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: Record 2,400 Security Companies Deployed

  • Record 2,400 security companies deployed
  • Polls in two phases on April 23 & 29
  • 200 companies to guard EVMs post-poll
  • 500 companies to prevent post-poll violence
  • Coordination led by CRPF's Shalabh Mathur
2 min read

Bengal: Record 2,400 companies of security forces for Assembly polls

A record 2,400 companies of security forces deployed for West Bengal's two-phase Assembly polls to ensure law and order and prevent post-poll violence.

"Necessary transportation, logistics, accommodation and other arrangements... may kindly be arranged by the state government. - Election Commission Notification"

Kolkata, March 20

A record number of 2,400 companies combining personnel from Central Armed Police Forces, India Reserve Battalion and armed police from other states will be deployed in each of the two phases of the forthcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal.

The first phase is scheduled for April 23, and the second for April 29, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Friday night.

The Commission also said the first supplementary list of cases referred for judicial adjudication under the "logical discrepancy" category during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise will be published on March 23, instead of March 20 as initially planned.

Already, 480 companies of CAPF are in West Bengal as an advance deployment.

According to the notification, after polling ends in the second phase on April 29, 200 companies of CAPF will remain in the state for security of EVMs, strong rooms and counting centres until counting is completed.

In addition, 500 companies of CAPF will continue to be deployed until further orders for law and order duties and to prevent post‑poll violence, which was rampant after the 2021 Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The remaining 1,700 companies of CAPF, IRB and state armed police will be de‑inducted after polling concludes on April 29.

The ECI has directed the West Bengal government to prepare a detailed deployment plan in consultation with CAPFs, IRBs, state armed police and the Chief Force Coordinator.

The movement and deployment of CAPFs will be coordinated by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Inspector General Shalabh Mathur, CRPF West Bengal Sector, has been nominated as "State Force Coordinator" for the elections.

The notification added: "Necessary transportation, logistics, accommodation and other arrangements required in connection with deployment of CAPFs/SAPs/IRBs within the state, as per the requirement of the forces, may kindly be arranged by the state government."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While security is important, one has to wonder about the cost of such a huge operation. Could some of these resources be better used elsewhere? Still, if it ensures a free and fair poll without intimidation, it's a necessary step for Bengal. 🤔
S
Suresh O
The focus on preventing post-poll violence is crucial. Last time was a mess. Common people suffered the most. Hope this heavy presence acts as a strong deterrent. Let democracy win, not goondagardi.
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Aman W
Coordination between state police and central forces is key. Hope the "State Force Coordinator" ensures smooth operations. The state govt must provide proper logistics as directed. No excuses this time.
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, this level of security planning for a state election is impressive. It shows India's institutional commitment to electoral integrity, even in challenging environments. The detail in the deployment plan is noteworthy.
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Nisha Z
As a Bengali, I just want peace. We are tired of the political tension and violence. If this many forces can guarantee that my elderly parents can vote without fear, I support it. Bas, let the best party win fairly. 🙏

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