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ECI Deploys 240 CAPF Companies in Bengal Before Poll Dates Announced

The Election Commission of India has initiated an unprecedented early deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in West Bengal, sending 240 companies in the first phase on March 1. A second phase of 240 companies is scheduled for March 10, all before the official announcement of polling dates. The maximum deployment of 30 companies is allocated to the Bangladesh-bordering North 24 Parganas district. The forces include units from the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.

Key Points: ECI Deploys 240 CAPF Companies in West Bengal First Phase

  • 240 CAPF companies deployed March 1
  • Second batch of 240 due March 10
  • North 24 Parganas gets highest deployment
  • Early deployment before poll dates announced
2 min read

ECI gives details of Bengal deployment of 240 CAPF companies in first phase on March 1

Election Commission deploys 240 CAPF companies in West Bengal on March 1, an unprecedented early move ahead of Assembly poll schedule announcement.

"first time that the ECI has decided to deploy CAPF in the state so early - Election Commission"

Kolkata, Feb 26

The Election Commission of India on Thursday announced the details of the 240 companies of Central Armed Police Forces personnel that will be deployed in the first phase on March 1, amid the preparations for the Assembly polls in West Bengal.

Incidentally, this is the first time that the ECI has decided to deploy CAPF in the state so early, and that too before the announcement of the polling dates and enforcement of the model code of conduct.

While 240 companies will be deployed in the first phase on March 1, another 240 companies will be deployed in the second phase on March 10.

According to a notification issued by the ECI on Thursday, of the 240 companies to be deployed in the first phase on March 1, the maximum deployment of 30 companies will be in the Bangladesh-bordering North 24 Parganas district.

The second-highest deployment will be in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district at 16. The third-highest deployment will be in the South 24 Parganas and Howrah districts at 15 each.

The fourth-highest deployments of 14 each will be in East Midnapore district, the native district of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and Hooghly.

The other district-wise deployment details will include 12 companies each in Malda and Nadia districts, as well as in the state capital, Kolkata.

While 11 companies will be deployed in North Dinajpur, 10 companies will be deployed in South Dinajpur.

Nine companies of CAPF will be in the Darjeeling and Cooch Behar districts each. Eight companies will be deployed in East Burdwan. In addition, each of the seven companies will be deployed in West Burdwan, West Midnapore, Birbhum, Bankura, and Jalpaiguri districts.

Five companies will be deployed, one each in Purulia, Jhargram, and Alipurduar districts. Only three companies will be deployed in the Kalimpong district.

The 240 companies of CAPF, which will be deployed in the first phase on March 1, will include 110 companies of Central reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 companies of Border Security Force (BSF), 21 companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 companies of Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), and 27 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The heavy focus on border districts like North 24 Parganas makes sense for security, but I hope the deployment is seen as neutral and doesn't influence voter sentiment. The model code hasn't even started yet.
A
Arjun K
Deployment before poll dates is unprecedented. It shows the Commission is taking no chances this time. Our jawans have a tough job, may they keep everyone safe. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the detailed breakdown is impressive. 240 companies is a massive force. It underscores how critical these state elections are viewed nationally. The focus on specific districts is very telling.
V
Vikram M
While security is paramount, I respectfully question the timing. Deploying forces before the MCC is announced could be perceived as an administrative overreach. The ECI must ensure absolute impartiality in its actions.
M
Meera T
Hope this brings confidence to common voters, especially in sensitive areas. Everyone should be able to vote without fear. The detailed plan looks thorough. Let's hope for a smooth election.

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