NewKerala.com

ECI Deploys 480 CAPF Companies in Bengal Ahead of Poll Date Announcement

The Election Commission of India has detailed the advance deployment of 480 companies of Central Armed Police Forces in West Bengal before the announcement of polling dates for the Assembly election. The deployment is split into two phases, with 240 companies deployed on March 1 and the remainder scheduled for March 10. Maximum deployment is focused on districts bordering Bangladesh, including North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and South 24 Parganas. Political observers note the unprecedented scale of this advance security deployment prior to the announcement of the election schedule.

Key Points: 480 CAPF Companies Deployed in Bengal Before Poll Dates

  • 480 CAPF companies in two phases
  • Max deployment in Bangladesh-bordering districts
  • CRPF and BSF provide most personnel
  • Deployment precedes poll date announcement
2 min read

ECI gives deployment details of 480 CAPF companies ahead of Bengal election date announcement

ECI details advance deployment of 480 Central Armed Police Force companies across West Bengal districts ahead of assembly election schedule.

"it is quite unprecedented that such a huge advance deployment is being made - Political observers"

Kolkata, March 2

The Election Commission of India has given details of the advance deployment of the 480 companies of the Central Armed Police Force in two phases in West Bengal before the announcement of the polling dates for the Assembly election.

Of these 480 companies, 240 companies have already been deployed on March 1, and the remaining 240 companies will be deployed on March 10.

The maximum deployment will be in the North 24 Parganas district at 58, followed by 35 in Murshidabad, 33 in South 24 Parganas, 30 in Kolkata, and 28 in East Midnapore.

Of these five districts, the maximum deployment of advanced CAPF is in North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and South 24 Parganas, which are Bangladesh-bordering districts, and Murshidabad is minority-dominated. On the other hand, East Midnapore is the native district of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

While 27 companies will be deployed in Hooghly district, the figures for East Burdwan and Nadia will be 25 and 22 companies, respectively.

While Howrah and Birbhum will have 21 companies each, 20 companies have been allotted for Purulia and West Midnapore districts. The figures for North Dinajpur, Malda, West Burdwan, Darjeeling, and Cooch Behar will be 19,18, 17, 16, and 15, respectively.

While 13 companies will be allotted to Bankura, Jhargram will have 11 companies. Ten companies each will be deployed in South Dinajpur and Jalpaiguri districts; the minimum deployments will be in Alipurduar at seven and Kalimpong at just four companies.

As per the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, each company will have a minimum of 72 personnel. The deployment of forces includes personnel from all five CAPFs, namely Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The maximum deployment will be from the CRPF and BSF. The movement and deployment of CAPFs will be coordinated by the CRPF, the ECI has clarified.

Political observers feel that it is quite unprecedented that such a huge advance deployment is being made in the state even before the announcement of the polling dates and the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
The distribution is interesting. High deployment in border districts makes sense for security. But the numbers in specific districts like East Midnapore raise questions. Hope this is purely based on threat perception and not political considerations. 🤔
A
Aman W
Good move! Central forces are essential to curb booth capturing and intimidation. Past elections in Bengal have shown local police sometimes fail to act impartially. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
While security is paramount, deploying such a large force before dates are even announced feels excessive. It creates an atmosphere of tension. The ECI must ensure this doesn't intimidate ordinary voters or influence the campaign environment negatively.
V
Vikram M
The focus on Bangladesh-bordering districts is the right call. National security and preventing any cross-border mischief during elections are top priority. Our CAPF personnel do a tough job, salute to them.
K
Kriti O
Hope this deployment actually translates to peaceful voting. Sometimes these forces are just stationed and the local goons still operate. ECI needs strict monitoring. Also, why only 4 companies for Kalimpong? Is it considered completely peaceful?

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50