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Supreme Court to Consider Plea on Central Forces in West Bengal on May 11

The Supreme Court has indicated it will consider a plea on May 11 for continued deployment of central forces in West Bengal due to post-poll violence fears. The bench initially suggested petitioners approach the Calcutta High Court, as the Election Commission stated it has no authority after polling. Vote count trends show the BJP leading in 121 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 71 seats. West Bengal recorded a high voter turnout of 91.66% in Phase-II of the elections.

Key Points: SC to Hear Plea on Central Forces in West Bengal on May 11

  • SC to examine plea on May 11 for continued central forces in West Bengal
  • Petitioners asked to approach Calcutta High Court first
  • EC says no authority after polling and counting
  • BJP leading in vote count trends in West Bengal
2 min read

SC may consider plea on continued central forces deployment in West Bengal post-poll violence on May 11

The Supreme Court may examine on May 11 a plea for continued deployment of central forces in West Bengal amid post-poll violence fears.

"The Supreme Court hinted that it will consider examining on May 11 a plea seeking directions for the continued deployment of Central forces in West Bengal on the apprehension of any post-poll violence. - Supreme Court Bench"

New Delhi, May 4

The Supreme Court hinted that it will consider examining on May 11 a plea seeking directions for the continued deployment of Central forces in West Bengal on the apprehension of any post-poll violence.

On a mention by the petitioners' counsel, the bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi initially stated that the petitioners may approach the Calcutta High Court and that such decisions are to be taken by the State executive.

The Election Commission of India clarified that it has no authority over the issue once the polling and counting are over.

After briefly hearing the parties, the court hinted it may examine the issue on May 11.

Meanwhile, according to vote count trends, the Bharatiya Janata Party has edged one step closer to breaching the Trinamool Congress's fortress in West Bengal and forming a government for the first time.

According to the Election Commission, the BJP is leading on 121 seats, while Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress is leading on 71 seats, and its ally BGPM is leading on one seat, as per trends.

News channels have projected a narrow lead for the BJP in the 294-member assembly, projecting leads of 160 seats for the BJP, crossing the halfway mark of 148. TMC is leading on 121 seats

West Bengal recorded the highest-ever voter turnout since independence with an impressive 91.66% polling in Phase-II of the Assembly elections. In phase I, the poll participation was 93.19%, taking the combined poll percentage to 92.47%.

In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election, the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee secured a decisive mandate, winning 213 out of 294 seats with a vote share of around 48 per cent, while the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and roughly 38 per cent votes, marking a sharp rise from its previous tally. The Left-Congress alliance failed to win any seats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
The Election Commission saying it has no control after counting is a loophole. What about the people who feel threatened? Opposition supporters will be afraid. We saw what happened in 2021. Central forces should stay till the situation normalizes, not just till the EVMs are sealed. 🤷‍♀️
J
James A
The SC is right to be cautious. The state government should be able to handle law and order, but in Bengal's case, the past is a good teacher. The TMC government has been accused of not protecting everyone equally. A neutral central presence is the least we can ask for. Not a fan of unnecessary federal intervention, but this seems warranted.
R
Ravi K
The BJP is leading on 121 seats, which is a huge jump from 77 last time. But look at the voter turnout—92.47% combined! That means people are really engaged, but also tense. If the TMC loses, I can imagine trouble. But if they win, they'll claim it's a mandate and suppress dissent. Either way, central forces needed. No two ways about it.
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Tanya I
I respect the court for not making a hasty decision. But why send people to the High Court first? That just delays things. The violence won't wait. 😠 Also, the EC washing its hands off the issue is disappointing. They should take responsibility for the entire process, not just polling day.
A
Alexander G
I think the Supreme Court is being very measured. The phrase "may consider" is classic judicial caution. The state executive does have a role, but when it's about preventing violence, the Centre's role is also critical. The

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